Friends of Fair Park to honor Gold Metal Recyclers, Goldbergs

Crediting them for saving last year’s traditional July 4th fireworks celebration, Friends of Fair Park will present its 2011 Spirit of the Centennial Award to Gold Metal Recyclers and the Goldberg family for their longstanding commitment to Fair Park and the surrounding South Dallas neighborhood. The 18th-annual celebration will be held Thursday, April 28, at a noon luncheon in the Crystal Terrace at Dallas Music Hall. Gold Metal has been an active member of the community for 35 years, and the Goldberg family has lived and worked in the area for over 80 years.
Last year Friends of Fair Park was poised to cancel Fair Park Fourth, Dallas’ official July 4th celebration, complete with fireworks, the Dallas Wind Symphony and free museum admission. The City of Dallas had partnered with Friends of Fair Park for years, and due to tight budget issues resulting from the economic downturn, the nonprofit Friends organization did not feel it was appropriate to ask them to participate. After months of trying to find a new sponsor, Friends realized that it wasn’t possible to present the fireworks show people expected, and canceled the event.
“With less than two weeks to go, Gold Metal Recyclers stepped forward and joined our other partner, Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, to make sure the event took place,” said David Luther, chair of Friends of Fair Park. “Fair Park Fourth-on-the-Fifth was a huge success, attracting tens of thousands of Dallasites to gather together and celebrate our nation’s birthday. It would not have happened without Gold Metal Recyclers.”
Friends president Craig Holcomb adds that the Award is not just about one event.
“This is about three generations of the Goldberg family, going to work every day in South Dallas and doing their part to create a more vibrant and sustainable community,” said Holcomb. “The Goldbergs have proven to be good citizens contributing to the welfare of the South Dallas area by providing hundreds of jobs, giving back to charities and organizations in need, preserving natural resources, and putting millions of dollars back into the economy.”
In November 2010, The Dallas Morning News named Gold Metal Recyclers as one of Dallas’ Top 100 Places To Work, and Gold Metal was recently listed by the Dallas Business Journal as the 20th largest privately owned company in Dallas.
Through the years, Gold Metal has made contributions to hundreds of charities and organizations, including CityArts Festival at Fair Park, the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce, Dallas ISD, Dallas Children’s Book Fair, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, The Jewish Community Center, Dallas Black Firefighters Association and many more. Most recently, Gold Metal cosponsored the Dallas: Hope For Haiti relief event. Gold Metal employees also work as “earth-friendly activists” to teach the community about the importance of recycling.
“The entire Goldberg family is very honored to receive this wonderful recognition from Friends of Fair Park,” said Kenny Goldberg, president of Gold Metal Recyclers. “Nothing feels better than being recognized as a good neighbor by your neighbors. We are committed to South Dallas and look forward to continued strong involvement in coming years.”
The presenting sponsor of the luncheon is K&L Gates LLP, and other sponsors are Texas Instruments (TI) and Burdin Mediations.
The Spirit of the Centennial Award began in 1994 when Judge David Fox was the inaugural honoree. About Friends of Fair Park. Other recipients include Hugh and Matilda Robinson; Walt Humann; Lt. Governor Bob Bullock; the Texas State Legislature; Mary Ceverha, Rita Cox and Carol Reed; State Fair Association; Michael A. Jenkins; Cathy Bonner, Matrice Ellis Kirk and Dealey Herndon; Candace O’Keefe; Rep. Steven D. Wolens; Paul Dyer; Texas Instruments; Rep. Terri Hodge; The Field Scovell Family; Craig Holcomb; The Meadows Foundation; Dallas Area Rapid Transit; and George A. Shafer.
The purpose of Friends of Fair Park is to promote the year-round use of Fair Park; to support the Fair Park Museums; to encourage thoughtful planning for Fair Park’s future; to preserve the buildings, art, sculpture and related artifacts of the 1936 Texas Centennial.
Friends of Fair Park was formed in 1987 when the Magnolia Lounge in Fair Park was to be demolished. This had been the Magnolia Oil Company’s hospitality suite during the Centennial and later had been home to the Margo Jones Theater where “Summer and Smoke” and “Inherit the Wind” had their world premieres. Alarmed, a group of business leaders, historic preservationists, and Fair Park advocates founded Friends of Fair Park with the express purpose of restoring the Magnolia. They raised $750,000 and then decided to restore the entire park. Friends of Fair Park is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation.
Individual tickets are $150 each and sponsor tickets are $250 each. Sponsorships are still available for tables of ten from $1,500 to $10,000. For more information, call 214-426-3400.

The Old American names Scott Robbins Director of Instructional Programming

Mazel tov to Scott Robbins, a PGA Member Professional and GOLF Magazine “Top Regional Instructor,” who was recently named director of Instructional Programming of The Old American Golf Club in The Colony.
Robbins will design camps, clinics and schools; provide private instruction; and coach the junior team at The Old American’s learning center, which is headed by PGA TOUR coach and groundbreaking putting technician, Marius Filmalter.
“The Old American will offer instructional programs catering to golfers of all ages and skill levels,” says Robbins. “We are committed to providing golfers with coaching that translates to increased shot making ability and, ultimately, lower scores.”
Prior to his work at The Old American, Robbins was a teaching professional at some of Texas’ most prestigious resorts and clubs. Since beginning his career in 1976, the University of Texas alum and Dallas-native has earned numerous honors including: “Top Regional Instructor,” GOLF Magazine, “Top 100 Instructors in America” nomination, GOLF Magazine; “Top 100 Performer,” Play Golf America; “Top 50 Instructor,” Golf Range Magazine; and “Teacher of the Year,” Northern Texas PGA.
“Scott is one of the most well respected teachers in the entire country,” says Jeff Kindred, PGA General Manager. “Having him and Marius onsite to provide instruction will cement The Old American’s place as one of Texas’ top golf learning centers.”
Since opening in September, The Old American has garnered an impressive list of accolades including “Best Courses You Can Play” by Golfweek and “Best New” by GOLF Magazine, LINKS Magazine, Golfweek and AVID Golfer. It was designed by Tripp Davis and PGA TOUR/Ryder Cup star, Justin Leonard.
For more information about The Old American Golf Club visit www.theoldamericangolfclub.com or call (972) 370-4653.