MEDIA RESOURCES

DATE: August 19, 2005

CONTACT: communications@mail.cox.smu.edu

SMU Cox Gives Back To Dallas Community
MBAs Help the Homeless

DALLAS (SMU) – An MBA degree from SMU’s Cox School of Business includes more than academics; it also includes philanthropy. Saturday, August 20, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., 100 Cox MBAs will work with Dallas Life Foundation, a residence facility providing hope and rebuilding lives of close to 500 homeless men, women, and children. SMU Cox MBA students will spend the morning sorting through clothes and books, and then help Dallas Life staff members prepare lunch for its on-site residents.

“This is a great way to kick-off the new school year,” said Robbie J. Thomas, SMU Cox MBA ’06. “It is important for us all to remember the benefit of giving back to those who are less fortunate, and it is an honor to work with Dallas Life Foundation to help others as they rebuild their lives.”

For 5,000 people in Dallas each week, “home” is a car, a highway underpass, or a cardboard box. The vast majority of homeless people are average men and women who have fallen on hard times without the safety net of savings, family, friends, or church. Almost 25 percent of the homeless have jobs, but lack the skills to budget for food, clothing, and shelter. Dallas Life Foundation is committed to breaking the cycle of homelessness in the Dallas Metroplex, improving residents’ personal and employment skills, and encouraging their spiritual growth.

WHO:	SMU Cox MBA students Dallas Life Foundation
WHEN:	Saturday, August 20, 2005 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
WHERE:	Dallas Life Foundation 1100 Cadiz Street Dallas, TX 75215
WHAT:	Community Service 100 MBAs work at Dallas Life Foundation
NOTE:	Photography is permitted and encouraged; however, residents may only be photographed from behind.

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