Ebby Halliday’s Historic Preston Road Home Sells, Fueling Her Enduring Philanthropic Legacy in North Texas
In a significant move that underscores the lasting philanthropic vision of one of Dallas’ most legendary figures, the Ebby Halliday Foundation has announced the quiet sale of the revered Preston Road residence once inhabited by Ebby Halliday herself. This transaction ensures that the spirit of generosity central to Ebby’s life will continue to impact countless lives across the North Texas community.
Nestled just off the prominent northwest intersection of Northwest Highway and Preston Road, this distinguished property served as the cherished home of the late Maurice and Ebby Halliday Acers. Maurice, a former FBI agent, and Ebby, the visionary founder of the internationally recognized Ebby Halliday Realtors, created a haven that was not only a personal retreat but also a focal point for their deep community engagement and elegant entertaining.
The 1967-built Greek Revival home at 8515 Preston Road holds a special place in the hearts of those familiar with Dallas’s architectural and social history. Candy Evans, founder and publisher of Daltxrealestate.com, vividly recalled the home’s unique charm, stating, “Maurice and Ebby truly crafted this residence into an ideal setting for hosting. It exudes a very distinct 1960s contemporary ambiance. I immediately felt at ease there, as it reminded me so much of the homes of my youth. The striking open staircase and the sophisticated terrazzo floors are particularly memorable features that define its character.” This sentiment highlights the home’s timeless appeal and its reflection of a specific era of elegant Dallas living.
The decision to sell the property, which had been held in trust by the Foundation, was made with a clear purpose: to significantly advance Ebby Halliday’s profound legacy of philanthropy throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth region and beyond. This strategic divestment transforms a tangible asset into dynamic resources for charitable endeavors.
The Ebby Halliday Foundation: Sustaining a Vision of Giving
Ron Burgert, a dedicated Foundation board member and former CFO of Ebby Halliday Real Estate, Inc., elaborated on the Foundation’s role. “This home has been carefully managed by the Foundation until now. The substantial proceeds generated from its sale are earmarked to profoundly further the mission and core values shared by both Ebby Halliday and the Foundation. It’s a testament to her enduring commitment to making a difference.”
The process of preparing the home for sale involved meticulous care, ensuring that all personal items and cherished memorabilia were respectfully removed. Ashley Cook, another esteemed member of the Ebby Halliday Foundation Board, revealed future plans to engage the community. “At a suitable time, the Foundation intends to host a silent auction or a special sale of these unique items. This event will initially be offered to members of the Ebby Halliday Companies family and potentially extend to the wider public. Importantly, all funds raised from this endeavor will exclusively benefit local organizations dedicated to serving women and children, extending Ebby’s caring touch even further.”
A substantial portion of the sale’s proceeds has already been designated as gifts to causes that were extraordinarily close to Ebby Halliday’s heart and to which she was personally and actively devoted throughout her lifetime. Initial donations have been proudly made to three of her most beloved charities, continuing her impactful work: Happy Hill Farm/Academy, The Ebby House at Juliette Fowler Communities, and The WiNGS Center at Ebby’s Place. These organizations represent the pillars of her philanthropic efforts.
Burgert further affirmed the board’s conviction, stating, “The board wholeheartedly believes that Ebby would be absolutely delighted to know that her former assets are being strategically utilized today to continue uplifting and improving the lives of women and children across the vibrant North Texas region. This sale truly embodies her spirit of continuous giving.”
A Profound Legacy of Giving Back: Ebby Halliday’s Unwavering Dedication
For Ebby Halliday, a truly successful life encompassed far more than impressive sales figures or groundbreaking achievements in real estate. Her other profound and unwavering passion was an unparalleled commitment to service within the community she so proudly called home. All of the causes she championed consistently shared a common, deeply resonant theme: providing essential assistance to women and children in need. This unwavering focus on the vulnerable was, as many attest, something that perpetually remained close to Ebby Halliday’s heart.
Ebby Halliday was celebrated not only for her entrepreneurial prowess but also for her compassionate leadership and tireless altruism. She famously opened doors to successful careers for thousands of individuals, particularly empowering women at a time when professional opportunities for them were significantly limited. Her vision created pathways and inspired generations, cementing her status as a true pioneer and humanitarian.
The impact of Ebby Halliday’s generosity resonates deeply with the organizations she supported. Lucas Shipman, Chief Development Officer at Happy Hill Farm, recounted the long-standing relationship: “Happy Hill Farm’s profound connection with Ebby Halliday spans several decades. Ebby first met our founder, Ed Shipman, in 1997. She immediately shared his deep compassion for children and possessed an immense dedication to their education. The Ebby Halliday Acers Library at our Academy stands as a powerful testament to her unwavering compassion and belief in the transformative power of learning. This past period has been exceptionally challenging as we’ve strived to care for our children through the unprecedented pandemic. And yet, at this perfect juncture, the Ebby Halliday Foundation once again blesses the children who call Happy Hill Farm their home. We are profoundly grateful that Ebby’s extraordinary generosity and her spirit of caring for others continue to thrive and live on through this incredible support.”
Nicole Gann, President and CEO of Juliette Fowler Communities, also expressed immense gratitude for the Foundation’s support. “We simply cannot thank you enough for your incredible generosity and unwavering commitment,” she conveyed. “As a 129-year-old nonprofit institution, we have certainly weathered numerous storms, and this past year, in particular, has been an profound test of our collective resolve and the steadfast faithfulness of our cherished donors. Your invaluable gift for The Ebby House will provide critical mentorship, essential education, and safe shelter for young women who find themselves at risk for homelessness. We believe Ebby would be immensely proud to know that her famous and deeply impactful quote, ‘Do something for someone every day,’ continues to echo and live on powerfully here at Fowler, perpetually extending her remarkable legacy of dedicated service to others.”
Do something for someone every day.
Ebby Halliday Acers
Kate Rose Marquez, CEO of WiNGS, passionately articulated her organization’s alignment with Ebby’s philosophy: “At WiNGS, our fundamental mission is to empower women and, in doing so, to positively impact generations to come. For an inspiring 70 years, Ebby Halliday exemplified this mission every single day of her life. The mentoring, the unwavering encouragement, and the incredible opportunities she consistently provided to women in our community are truly legendary and indelible. She intuitively recognized that the vital work we undertake at WiNGS perfectly aligned with her own deeply held philosophy and her profound passion for empowering women. We are incredibly honored to have received Ebby’s personal and unwavering support for our organization for so many years. And today, we are absolutely thrilled that the Ebby Halliday Foundation is continuing that vital support with this exceptionally generous gift. On behalf of every woman we have the privilege to empower, we extend our heartfelt thanks.”
The Enduring Symbol: Ebby’s Little White House
Interestingly, immediately to the south of Ebby Halliday’s recently sold residence stands the flagship Ebby Halliday Realtors office, affectionately known internally as Ebby’s Little White House. This storied building, which opened its doors in 1964, carries its own rich history. Prior to becoming the iconic real estate office, it served a pivotal role as the former town hall of the esteemed community of Preston Hollow, and before that, it functioned as a field office for the influential Preston Hollow developer, Ira P. DeLoache. This building itself is a testament to the dynamic growth and heritage of one of Dallas’s most coveted neighborhoods.
It is important to note that Ebby’s Little White House was not included as part of the recent sale of the residential property. It proudly continues its legacy of serving the distinguished Park Cities and Preston Hollow communities, upholding the same unparalleled standards of excellence, integrity, and client service for which the Ebby Halliday brand has been universally renowned for decades. This separation ensures that the iconic real estate presence remains a steadfast fixture in the Dallas landscape, distinct from the philanthropic sale of Ebby’s personal abode.
The sale of Ebby Halliday’s treasured home marks not an ending, but a vibrant new chapter in her remarkable story of giving. It transforms a private dwelling into a powerful engine for public good, ensuring that her legacy of empowering women, nurturing children, and strengthening the community will continue to flourish for generations to come, truly embodying her lifelong commitment to making a tangible, positive difference in the world.