Local nonprofit Educational First Steps achieved a historic milestone at its 2025 Annual Gala last month at The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas, raising over $1 million to expand high-quality early childhood education across North Texas.
“We’re incredibly grateful to our gala chairs, sponsors, and generous supporters who believe in the power of early learning,” EFS President and CEO Dominique McCain said in a statement. “The extraordinary conversation with President and Mrs. Bush truly underscored why this work is so important—ensuring every child, regardless of zip code, has access to quality early education.”
The event featured an exclusive moderated conversation with Dallas residents President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush, led by Ken Hersh, president and CEO of the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas.
The former president and first lady shared their perspectives on leadership, education, and the critical role early learning plays in shaping future generations, Educational First Steps said.
EFS Gala attendees included Pete Geren, president and CEO of the Sid W. Richarson Foundation; Brendan McGuire, regional president of PNC Bank; and Dominique McCain, President and CEO of Educational First Steps. [Photo: EFS]
The organization said that the event’s record-breaking success was driven by the leadership of gala co-chairs Kim Korenvaes Stein and Rochelle Gores. Educational First Steps said their vision, along with that of honorary chairs, former Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price and former Dallas Mayor and U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk, galvanized the unprecedented support for EFS.
“Since 2004, PNC’s Grow Up Great has helped prepare children from birth through age five for success in school and life. We invest in programs, resources, and experiences that establish a strong foundation for children in North Texas. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, ultimately contributing to a stronger community,” Brendan McGuire, regional president for North Texas of sponsor PNC Bank said.
Robin Berkley, EFS board member and director of education at the George W. Bush Institute [Photo: EFS]
Guests in attendance included former U.S. Ambassador to Argentina Marc Stanley, former Texas State Rep. Harryette Ehrhardt, who was also Laura Bush’s college professor at SMU, Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, and Fort Worth Councilman Michael Crain.
Also in attendance were philanthropists and business leaders including Sara and Ross Perot Jr., Kameron Westcott, Porschla and Jason Kidd, and EFS founding board member Linus Wright.
The gala also honored The Addy Foundation and The Sid W. Richardson Foundation with the Early Childhood Champion Awards for their outstanding contributions to early learning initiatives.
Title sponsor was The Rochelle Gores Family and presenting sponsors were PNC Bank and Hedgeserv Corp., moderated conversation sponsor: The Addy Foundation; and VIP Reception Sponsor: Hillwood, a Perot Company.
EFS said that for more than 35 years, it has worked to transform early learning by empowering childcare centers and educators.
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