The Mavericks, having already raised more than $1.7 million in funds and supplies for local front-line medical workers, have upped their game again.
By partnering with Rosewood Ranches and local restaurants such as Nick & Sam’s Steakhouse, Pecan Lodge and Off the Bone BBQ, the Mavericks are helping to deliver more than 11,000 meals to healthcare workers battling the COVID-19 pandemic locally. The effort began last week.
The meals will go to approximately 4,000 workers at UT Southwestern, Parkland Hospital, Medical City Plano and Texas Health Resources. Previously, owner Mark Cuban, Luka Doncic and Dwight Powell had combined to donate $500,000 to UT Southwestern and Parkland to help with resources to include such elements as baby-sitting.
“The Mavericks have been really supportive on the food component,” said Marc Nivet, UT Southwestern’s executive vice president for institutional advancement. “But they have been really forward-thinking since [the pandemic] started. The gesture is as impactful as the food itself. The food means a lot, but the workers know they have the backing of the community and the NBA franchise. It provides a lot of mental and psychological support to keep fighting the fight.”
All of the restaurants had already begun donating food to front-line workers. Pecan Lodge owners Diane and Justin Fourton set up The Dinner Bell Foundation with a handful of other restaurants to accept donations and feed those in need. Nick & Sam’s Samir Dhurandhar had already donated and delivered close to 1,000 meals to various medical centers and first responders. A typical meal consisted of a house salad, a filet mignon, Brussels sprouts, corn, grits and chocolate cake.
“I had already said ‘yes,’ before they asked me,” Dhurandhar said. “We need to give back. We need to pitch in. Everything right, everything good comes through tough times. I’m proud of all the chefs in town who have helped.”
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