At Dallas 24 Hour Club, every year we recognize an individual who goes above and beyond in their support of our mission to help homeless alcoholics and addicts find long-term sobriety. The David Elliott “Service to Others” Award:The Spark That Lit the Fire is our way of honoring those whose unwavering commitment has sparked lasting change within our organization. This year, we are proud to present the award to a truly remarkable individual—Terry Kranz, founder of Dallas All Star Chef Classic and longtime advocate of The 24.
Terry Kranz: A Legacy of Service and Dedication
Terry Kranz’s journey with The 24 started in 2006 when he joined the Board of Directors during one of the organization’s most challenging times. Deep in debt and struggling to stay afloat, The 24 needed someone who could not only provide strategic guidance but also inspire hope. And Terry did just that. Having lived at The 24 twice himself, he brought a deep understanding of the struggles faced by our Residents, paired with a personal commitment to recovery.
Terry’s experience in the restaurant industry became invaluable to us, especially during the construction of our new building in 2015. As part of his second term on the Board, Terry provided crucial advice on the buildout of The Hubcap Café’s kitchen—ensuring that it would serve as both a functional and welcoming space for Residents. His influence and input helped shape the café into what it is today, a place where Residents not only work but also find pride and purpose.
The Birth of Dallas All Star Chef Classic
One of Terry’s most impactful contributions came in 2014 when he founded the Dallas All Star Chef Classic, which has since become The 24’s largest annual fundraiser. At the time, The 24 had never held a major fundraising event and lacked the resources to do so. But Terry’s vision and determination were unstoppable. He brought together eight of Dallas’ top chefs and, despite the odds, created an event that would lay the foundation for future success.
Today, the Dallas All Star Chef Classic has grown to be a celebrated event in Dallas, drawing support from the city’s culinary community and beyond. Thanks to Terry’s strategic thinking and dedication, what started as a humble fundraiser has evolved into a vital source of support for our mission.
A Heart for Helping Others
Terry’s story is also one of personal triumph. Now 20 years sober, he is a living example of the power of recovery. His dedication to giving back is unmatched. Over the years, Terry has invested countless hours mentoring and supporting Residents at The 24, helping them navigate their own paths to sobriety. By our estimation, Terry has touched the lives of over 100,000 people through The 24 and other recovery groups—a testament to his passion for helping others overcome addiction and rebuild their lives.
Reflecting on the award, Terry shares,"It is such an honor to receive this great award. I must reflect on what has gotten me to where I am today. Rarely have we seen a person fail who thoroughly followed our path. I remember scaring my mother at times when she would have to check to see if I was still breathing. So, if I can help even one mother sleep with peace, knowing their child is safe and sober, then I have truly honored my own mother."
The David Elliott "Service to Others" Award: The Spark That Lit The Fire
The David Elliott "Service to Others" Award: The Spark That Lit The Fire was first created in 2019 to honor David Elliott, whose decades of support have set a precedent for what it means to truly stand by an organization. Terry now joins an esteemed group of past award recipients, including:
2023: Ben E. Keith Company and the Hallam Family
2022: Kim and Gilbert Freeman
2021: Nancy and Jack Zogg
2020: Lee Ann and Steve Van Amburgh
2019: David Elliott
Each of these individuals and families, like Terry, have given selflessly to help The 24 continue its vital work in the Dallas community.