Our Story

In 1965, University of Tulsa had the nation's first 3,000-yard passer. My grandfather,
Billy Guy Anderson, revolutionized the way football was played when he threw for 3,464 yards and made 30 touchdowns in one season - the passing game began.

He set nine national passing records that year and entered the Guinness Book of World Records. Threw the first touchdown pass
on astro turf in history in the Astrodome and, the following year, was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams and then the Houston Oilers in 1967.

Twenty seven years later, a twitch in his throwing arm was diagnosed as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as Lou Gehrigs Disease. His body may have failed him a short 15 months later, but his spirit lives on through the hard work and dedication of those who strive for a cure everyday.

In 2010, my wife, Kathryn Townend Hollingsworth, and I wanted to find an innovative approach to bring awareness to this awful disease. We recognized the need to integrate a younger generation of people affected by ALS into the giving community. As a result, we decided there was no better way to bring together a great cause and a good time than over food, wine and networking. DiningDallas was born.

We have since hosted philanthropic social networking events for ALS at some of Dallas' hottest venues. From Kent Rathbun's Abacus to Bob's Steak and Chop House, Ocean Prime, Eddie V's, Komali, Malai and many others, DiningDallas has grown to more than 1700 members with an average event attendance exceeding 150. We have partnered with The ALS Association, North Texas, ALS-TDI, UT Southwestern's MDA-ALS division and research center, and countless others. We've hosted, co-chaired and volunteered at various ALS benefits, galas and walks such as An Evening of Education and Hope for ALS at the Ritz-Carlton,  Calling All Heroes, The Walk to Deafeat ALS,  and many more all to make a difference in the lives of those affected by ALS.