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Scholarships for military children receive $1 million boost from Houston Awards Dinner

Ed deZevallos honored by Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation

HOUSTON, TX – (November 14, 2024) – The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation (MCSF) presented local investor Ed deZevallos with the Semper Fidelis Award during its 14th annual Houston Awards Dinner, held on Thursday November 14th at The Post Oak Hotel.

Over 350 guests filled the Grand Ballroom of The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown to support the country’s oldest and largest provider of need-based scholarships to military children. Guests mingled during the general reception, enjoying cocktails and passed appetizers before entering the ballroom for the seated dinner. The program was deftly handled by emcee Sergeant Major Micheal Barrett USMC (Ret.) and included remarks from Military Guest of Honor Major General Austin “Sparky” Renforth USMC (Ret.), and MCSF President and CEO Lieutenant Colonel Ted Probert USMC (Ret.)

Often awarded to veteran Marines, The Scholarship Foundation’s Semper Fidelis Award recognizes individuals whose service to our Nation exemplifies the Marine Corps motto to remain “Always Faithful.” Former Texas recipients include President George W. Bush, Governor Rick Perry, Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale, Ann Fox, veteran Marine and President & CEO of Nine Energy Service, and Donovan Campbell, veteran Marine and bestselling author of Joker One and The Leader’s Code.

Ed deZevallos is a veteran Marine, real estate executive, and serial entrepreneur. Mr. deZevallos attended Vanderbilt University, received his MBA from Washington University and enlisted in the Marines in 1967. Mr. deZevallos has been involved in the real estate development business since 1973, primarily in the Houston area in a 50 year career that included projects in five southern states. He was also a founder and Chairman of Spring National Bank that was eventually sold to PNC Bank. Mr. deZevallos, along with his wife Pam, has supported a variety of local charitable organizations. He also made the jump to the big screen, co-writing and producing the 2019 film “Lone Star Deception” starring Anthony Ray Parker and Eric Roberts.

The final fundraising tally for the evening was an impressive $1,056,115. Funding from the dinner helps support 297 scholarship recipients in Texas who attend 65 different in-state colleges, universities and career technical education programs.  Lone Star State Campaign Co-Chairs John Deis and Alison Vasquez were thrilled with the outcome of the evening.

About The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation: Established in 1962, the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation is the Nation’s oldest and largest provider of need-based scholarships for military children. Since its inception, the Scholarship Foundation has provided over 55,000 scholarships valued at more than $220 million to the children of Marines and Navy Corpsmen. For more information on the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, please visit  http://www.mcsf.org/

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If You Can, You Must Scholarship Initiative

More than 14 years ago, Dakota Meyer, a U.S. Marine serving in the War in Afghanistan, risked his life to bravely save the lives of U.S. and Afghan forces in the Battle of Ganjgal. For his actions, he was awarded the Medal of Honor, the first living Marine in more than forty years to receive the award. Since leaving active duty, Dakota has embraced opportunities for continued service. Through his partnership with the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, the “If You Can, You Must” Scholarship will provide educational scholarships to the children of Marines and inspire the future leaders of America.

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