How It All Started: Charlie’s Story 

After the tragedy on September 11, 2001 in New York, our Founder Charlie McKinney, "wanted to do something positive for the local Dallas communities."

This “something” turned out to be the launch of the “Mike Modano Heroes Celebrity Baseball Game” in support of the Heroes Foundation mission to help Dallas-area kids.

After 10 years headlining the event, Hall of Fame Dallas Star Mike Modano retired and a new star in Dallas had arrived. 

Dirk Nowitzki, of the World Champion Dallas Mavericks, has held the reigns for the celebrity fanfare since 2011. 

With the Heroes brand established, the Foundation worked in partnership with the City of Dallas Parks and Recreation Department to build and operate the Mavs Ballpark, Dallas’ premier youth baseball field. 

Located in downtown Dallas, 25,000 young people per year play at the Mavs Ballpark.

The success of the partnership with the city of Dallas enabled another opportunity to expand the Heroes reach to another sport…basketball.

Heroes acquired an old YWCA in Southern Dallas. After a large-scale remodel, Heroes Basketball was born. The Cuban Center is now one of the top basketball facilities in the nation.

Since then, our work has expanded beyond basketball with activities for the local community. From creating an internship program to lacrosse training, life skill development, and personal health and wellness instruction. 

As a result of the philanthropic spirit of Mark Cuban combined with the executive leadership of Charlie McKinney, Brian Nadurak, and Trina Terrell, the Mark Cuban Heroes Basketball Center connects with over 20,000 families annually. 

Our mission is to expand the Heroes footprint and enhance the lives of many for years to come.