The holiday season was especially merry, and through the efforts of The Maiden Foundation, the new year will definitely be brighter for some local community organizations. The foundation’s 17th Annual Soulful Christmas, presented in collaboration with Grammy Award–winning singer KEM, concluded spectacularly on Friday night, December 19th, with a sold-out audience of nearly 1,800 filling the Winspear Opera House. The annual benefit concert, a signature holiday tradition in North Texas, delivered an unforgettable evening of music, purpose, and community impact.
Headlining the night, KEM brought his signature soul sound and heartfelt performance to the stage, reinforcing his shared commitment with The Maiden Foundation to uplifting communities and creating access to opportunity. Dallas native Brittany Holmes opened the evening, setting the tone for a celebration that blended artistry with service. Held during The Maiden Foundation’s 20th anniversary year, the event raised critical funds benefiting Harmony Community Development Corporation and Austin Street Center.
The collaboration between KEM and The Maiden Foundation extended beyond the stage, helping make it possible for 40 families to attend the concert and ensuring that each beneficiary organization received $2,500 in direct support. Together, the artist and the nonprofit demonstrated how entertainment and philanthropy can work hand in hand to drive meaningful change.
The evening began with an exclusive VIP reception recognizing community leaders Mark Porter, executive director of Harmony Community Development Corporation, and Evan White, executive director of Advancement at Austin Street Center, for their exceptional service to North Texas residents.
A special highlight of the night was a surprise appearance by U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett, who recently announced her candidacy for the U.S. Senate. Rep. Crockett attended both the concert and VIP reception, where she spoke passionately about the impact of The Maiden Foundation’s co-founders, Terrence and Tim Maiden, and their transformative work throughout Dallas, particularly at the Shops at Red Bird.
“At the end of the day, I want to make sure that I am elevating my service much like the Maiden twins,” Rep. Crockett told the media. “They could’ve gone and lived comfortably, but instead they chose to elevate their service. That’s what this is about.”
Following her remarks, Rep. Crockett remained to greet guests and take photos, underscoring the spirit of accessibility and community that defined the evening.
“To see this event sell out the Winspear Opera House, especially alongside an artist like KEM who truly shares our heart for the community, is beyond anything we imagined when we started this journey 17 years ago,” said Terrence Maiden, chair of The Maiden Foundation. “What began as a small holiday dinner has grown into a powerful collaboration that shows what’s possible when music, service, and purpose align.”
This year’s Soulful Christmas carried added significance as The Maiden Foundation marked 20 years of service across North Texas. Over the past two decades, the nonprofit has invested more than $500,000 into initiatives that promote leadership, opportunity, and community growth. Proceeds from the sold-out concert will directly support Harmony Community Development Corporation’s food and counseling programs in Southwest Dallas and Red Bird, as well as Austin Street Center’s work with individuals experiencing homelessness.
Together, The Maiden Foundation and KEM once again proved that when passion meets partnership, the result is not only a remarkable night of music, but lasting impact well beyond the stage. If you would like to support The Maiden Foundation and its mission and programs, visit www.maidenfoundation.org for more information.
