General Community

Million Dollar Giveaway: A Birthday Turned Into Community Power

About the Project

In 2025, Thomas J. Henry ditched the extravagant birthday parties in favor of something more meaningful—launching a $1 million statewide giveaway spanning nine months. Each week, five lucky Texans received $5,000, and as the year wrapped, two grand-prize winners took home $100,000 each.

in Total Cash Awards

Texans across the state, regardless of their background—each eligible to enter for a chance at meaningful financial relief.
Recipients of $5,000 boosts each week, helping with bills, education, medical expenses, or other personal needs.
Two December grand-prize winners, each awarded $100,000—transformational sums with potential to change lives.

To celebrate with generosity, transforming a personal milestone into a way to uplift the community.
To ease financial burdens for everyday Texans, offering hope, opportunity, or relief when it’s needed most.
To create a legacy of giving, embracing purpose over extravagance and putting community impact first.

Duration: Launched April 7 and ran through December—a nine-month generosity campaign.
Weekly Awards: Five selected Texans received $5,000 each week.
Grand Prizes: In December, two people won $100,000 each.
Open to all Texas residents—no client relationship required to participate.
Easy to Enter: Participants entered through multiple methods—up to 11 options via an online page, with bonus entries for completing steps.
Philanthropy Center Launch: In tandem with the giveaway, Henry opened a new philanthropy center in Corpus Christi—intended to provide sustainable, year-round support.

This bold campaign combined immediacy with sustainability:

Distributed one million dollars, injecting direct financial relief throughout communities.
Boosted morale, showing empathy and gratitude in a highly visible, impactful way.
Built a long-term giving engine, with the new philanthropy center extending support well beyond the giveaway.