Class Acts, sending appreciation and support to educators

Reliant and the Cowboys recognize and honor teachers in the DFW area through a program called Cowboys Class Acts. The program honors teachers that constantly encourage, lead and strive for excellence in the classroom. It works at the high-frequency rate of once a month during the school year.

Rocio Sanchez, kindergarten teacher at Daugherty Elementary School in Garland, Texas, received Class Acts recognition in early 2024. The school principal – tipped off ahead of time – made a special effort to keep it a surprise, asking Sanchez to bring the class outside into the courtyard. Waiting there was the Dallas Cowboys mascot Rowdy, former Cowboys Offensive Lineman Joe Looney, Hugo from Reliant and many others.

Andrea Russell, Senior Vice President at Reliant, explained the significance of Cowboys Class Acts to the Garland Independent School District.

"It's important for Reliant to give back to our community, and one of the ways we do that is to recognize the educators in our community who are making a difference," Russell said. "Together with the Dallas Cowboys, we created Cowboys Class Acts, and we are here today to recognize Rocio Sanchez as an educator who positively impacts kids' lives."

Sanchez received a Cowboys jersey, custom-made with her name on the back, and a football. She also received a $4,000 grant, a sum of money that can deliver new teaching tools and opportunities for a veteran educator like her. Sanchez has spent nearly twenty years teaching at Daugherty Elementary.

"I have so many ideas running through my head about how to use these funds for my classroom,” Sanchez said to the Garland Independent School DIstrict. “For instance, we're getting a new science curriculum next year, so I can use the grant to purchase items to make the lessons even more engaging."

Reliant Home Run Derby: power hitting for charity

The Dallas Cowboys trade in footballs for baseballs as they team up with Reliant for the annual Reliant Home Run Derby at Riders Field in Frisco. Since 2013, the charity event has raised nearly $1M for The Salvation Army of North Texas and other DFW charities.

The Home Run Derby creates a spectacle not just for Cowboys fans, but for anyone wanting to see some of the world’s best football players in a different sport.

And it turns out the Cowboys can hit. On the diamond, that is to say, and not just the gridiron. Linebacker Micah Parsons has socked 13 home runs in a single event, and punter Bryan Anger won the 2024 edition with 17 home runs.

For every hit and home run, Reliant makes a donation to The Salvation Army of North Texas. In 2024, the Cowboys swung for the fences for over $100K in donations. Kids from the Salvation Army are invited to attend the event, too.

“At Reliant, being a positive force in the communities we serve is an important part of who we are and what we stand for,” said Andrea Russell. “We look forward to the Reliant Home Run Derby each year because it’s such a fun event for Cowboys fans that directly supports vital programs in North Texas. We are thrilled to continue this event with the Dallas Cowboys. Together, we are building a stronger community, one home run at a time.”

Cowboys Christmas Extravaganza powered by Reliant

Get in the holiday spirit Cowboys-style with the Cowboys Christmas Extravaganza powered by Reliant. Hosted at The Star in Frisco, this electrifying 20-minute show is a powerful mix of NFL excitement and Christmas cheer. The blowout includes a dazzling performance by the world-famous Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, followed by the lighting of The Star’s 67-foot Christmas tree. There are also performances by popular Cowboys characters, including Dallas Cowboys Rhythm and Blues, Rookie Squad, Rowdy and more.

"Reliant is thrilled to be the power behind the Cowboys Christmas Extravaganza and the unique holiday experience it provides for fans of all ages," said Andrea Russell. “We love teaming up with our longtime partner, the Dallas Cowboys, to light up the holidays and spread holiday cheer!