Uptown Philanthropists
Bill & Beverly Dallas
Supporting the Arts and Entrepreneurship
Beverly Jo Dallas (Baker) is admired as one of the founders and first president of the Angels of the Alliance. Bev’s early years were characterized by her outstanding performance as a student and as an artist by competing and winning the Miss Minnesota T.E.E.N contest. In 1991, Mrs. Dallas earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration and speech communication from the University of Minnesota. After a successful career in banking, she moved from Minnesota to California to pursue her dreams.
Bill Dallas earned a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree, Magna cum Laude, from Bowling Green State University and his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Santa Clara School of Law. In 1981 he co-founded First Franklin Financial, an independent, nationwide mortgage banking company. He sold the business to DLJ Merchant Banking in 1994, Bank of America/Nations Bank in 1996, and National City Bank in 1999. National City sold the business to Merrill Lynch in 2006. The sale proceeds created Dallas Capital Management in 1999.
Together, the two became Grand Patrons of the Alliance for the Arts with their $1.5 million gift naming the entrance to the Civic Arts Plaza, “Dallas Drive.” Since moving to the Conejo Valley in 1989, the Dallas’ have been active in philanthropy and giving back to the community they now call home. In 1999, the Dallas’ founded Dallas Capital and helped start Oaks Christian School with David Price and Dallas Price-Van Breda where Mrs. Dallas serves as the cheerleading coach for the JV and Varsity Squads.
Their foundation and charitable trust have also given generously to California Lutheran University, Oaks Christian Schools, and Westminster Presbyterian Church, Bowling Green State University, YMCA, and over 50 other local charities. In 2001, Dallas Capital partnered with Fox Sports to launch FOX SPORTS GRILL, Restaurant News 2004 Hot Concept of the Year. Today, the company is one of the nation’s largest independent restaurant companies and has six locations across the U.S. including Westlake Village.
Outside his business interests, he and Scott Hamilton are championing the next generation of entrepreneurs at Dallas/Hamilton Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership at Bowling Green State University. The Dallas Private Foundation and Charitable Trust have also given generously to California Lutheran University, Oaks Christian Schools, and Westminster Presbyterian Church. Bill & Bev currently reside and are members of Sherwood Country Club in Lake Sherwood, California with their dearest assets, Adam, Billy, Nick, Jake, and Bobbi Jo.
