Kids, Incorporated Receives Additional $1 Million Donation
For The Rockrose Sports Park Project
Kids, Incorporated has received a generous $1 million gift from Sherry Morrison in honor of her late husband, Norman Dean Morrison, Jr.
“My husband, Dean, worked for everything he had in this world,” said Sherry Morrison. “Our son, Shawn, encouraged me to consider contributing to the Kids, Inc. project. After visiting with Jimmy Lackey and Haley Bell, I was more than happy to do so.”
Dean Morrison was a dedicated leader in the nonprofit sector, particularly through his involvement with United Way. He served as the Loaned Executive Chairman for several years, and in recognition of his commitment, the program now bears his name. One of his favorite sayings was, “Give until it hurts, then give some more,” a philosophy he lived by and instilled in others.
Dean took his father’s small beer distributorship in Borger, Texas, expanded it to Amarillo, and built a thriving company that continues to serve the entire Texas Panhandle. He was a beloved boss, mentor, and friend to many.
A standout student-athlete, Dean was the valedictorian of the Borger High School Class of 1972 and excelled in baseball, football, and track. He attended Rice University, where he kicked for the Rice Owls football team.
While at Rice, Dean met his best friend, Ed Haar, a fellow Panhandle native. Over Thanksgiving break, Ed invited Dean to meet his family, where Dean was introduced to Ed’s sister, Sherry. The two quickly fell in love, and Dean later transferred to Texas Tech University, where Sherry was a student. He graduated with a business degree and was a proud member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity, and shortly after, the couple married—beginning a life of love, leadership, and generosity that continues to impact the community today.
“We are so grateful to Sherry for this incredible gift,” said Kids, Inc. President & CEO Jimmy R. Lackey. “I am also thankful to her son, Shawn, who suggested this idea to his mother. It has been a pleasure visiting with Sherry and discussing ways for her and her family to honor Dean. We are so pleased to announce that two baseball/softball fields at our new complex will bear the name “Dean Morrison Field,” thanks to Sherry’s most gracious gift.”
Continuing Sherry’s generosity and Dean’s legacy, their grandson, Norm, is also making a meaningful impact on the community. As he prepares to graduate from Tascosa High School in May, Norm chose to forgo traditional graduation gifts and requested that contributions be made to Kids, Inc. This heartfelt decision reflects his desire to give back to the organization that played an important role in his childhood.
Growing up playing Kids, Inc. sports, Norm experienced firsthand the value of teamwork, discipline, and personal growth through athletics. By directing his graduation gifts to Kids, Inc., he hopes to ensure that future generations of young athletes have the same opportunities to play, learn, and grow. His generosity, alongside Sherry’s incredible gift to Rockrose Sports Park, is a lasting tribute to Dean’s legacy and the power of community support in shaping young lives.
Rockrose Sports Park – Home Field Advantage Campaign Update
Exciting progress is underway for Rockrose Sports Park! The construction team of Southwest General Contractors, Sims + Architects, and GDI Engineers is finalizing construction plans. With road construction on I-27 and the upcoming expansion of Coulter Rd. south of Loop 335, additional planning and collaboration are ensuring proper drainage for the turf fields and the construction of new roads to provide access to Rockrose Sports Park and the future businesses that will surround the complex.
Current campaign funding stands at $22,532,934. Once the $24,000,000 mark is reached, a $1.5 million challenge grant from the High Plains Christian Ministries Foundation will be unlocked, propelling the campaign to $25.5 million—bringing us closer to our $30 million goal!
Rockrose Sports Park will be a premier hub for Kids, Inc. sports and regional tournaments, offering top-tier baseball, softball, soccer, flag football, and more. This state-of-the-art complex will provide outstanding youth sports experiences and drive economic growth by attracting teams and visitors to Amarillo.
Several naming rights are available around the complex, offering a unique opportunity to shape the future of youth sports in our community. For information about naming rights and other donation opportunities, please contact Jimmy R. Lackey, President and CEO, or Haley Bell, Vice President for Development at 806-376-5936. You may also contact them via email at [email protected] or [email protected].
Thank you for your continued support—together, we are making this vision a reality!
