Midland’s Bush Tennis Center (BTC) received a $2 million donation from Diamondback Energy, according to BTC's executive director, Tim Stallard. Stallard described the moment as bittersweet, as it occurred on the same day they honored BTC founder Jim Henry, who had passed away.
In a Facebook post on Oct. 18, Stallard expressed his gratitude, saying, “What an emotional day as we honored BTC founder Jim Henry, who passed away yesterday, and celebrated the $2M donation from Diamondback Energy. Thank you to Diamondback Energy CEO Travis Stice, Mayor Lori Blong, and our board president Quillan Harris for your support!”
The donation from Diamondback Energy will be allocated to the Ace Athletic Center at the Bush Tennis Center, as reported by Odessa ABC affiliate KMID News and FOX station KPEJ. Stice, the CEO of Diamondback Energy, stated that their company's philanthropic objective is to assist "those most disadvantaged in our society." He also praised the values and vision of Jim Henry and his family, who have created an environment at BTC that focuses not only on top-tier athletic development but also on individuals with disabilities and developmental delays.
Mayor Lori Blong expressed her appreciation for the donation on her Facebook page, emphasizing that it will allow the Ace Outreach Program to expand and include other activities. She also highlighted the importance of partnerships between companies like Diamondback Energy and community facilities, stating, "We are thankful for companies, like Diamondback, who partner with facilities to help support and grow them in our community."