At tomorrow’s Giving Gala, The Real Estate Council will continue a tradition it began a few years ago of honoring its members and collaborating nonprofits with Volunteer Impact awards for their service to TREC and the Dallas community.
These awards recognize the hard work our volunteers, companies and nonprofits contribute to making lasting change in our community. Without you, TREC’s impact would not be possible.
This year’s recipients are:
Volunteer Impact Award: Elias Bahar, Balfour Beatty Construction
As project manager for the 2018 Associate Leadership Council class project to renovate the offices and community space for the nonprofit For Oak Cliff, Elias helped bring in more than $200,000 in grants and in-kind donations. The time he dedicates to our organization truly speaks volumes about his level of commitment to enhancing the quality of life in our community.

Legacy Leaders Impact Award: Mayor Mike Rawlings and the GrowSouth Initiative
Our city’s 61st mayor has governed with a steady hand during our recent history of unprecedented growth, and his support of our public schools, his stand against domestic violence and his leadership in the arts has served us all well. But Mayor Mike Rawlings’ focus on economic development for all parts of our city, underscored by the City’s GrowSouth initiative, is among his most impressive and significant accomplishments during his administration. GrowSouth is the city’s comprehensive strategy to promote the economic development necessary for sustainable growth in Southern Dallas. By focusing on short and long-term goals that unite the city’s business community with its residents and civic leaders, GrowSouth has enjoyed tremendous success in the seven years since its launch and inspired similar initiatives like the Dallas Catalyst Project.

Congratulations to our honorees! Your actions and drive are an inspiration to continue our efforts to positively impact our community. We are fortunate to work with you all!