Thomas Boone Pickens, Jr. and wife Toni attends the Time 100 Gala celebrating the Time 100 issue of the Most Influential People at The World at Jazz at Lincoln Center on April 26, 2016 in New York. / AFP / TIMOTHY A. CLARY (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images)
Toni Chapman Brinker, the founder of the One CommunityUSA nonprofit in Dallas, died in early April at the age of 74, the nonprofit announced on Sunday.
"The Board of Directors of One CommunityUSA are deeply saddened to announce the recent passing of its beloved founder and CEO, Toni Brinker," One CommunityUSA said in a released statement.
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WATCH HERE"Mrs. Brinker, who died on April 7, 2024, with family members at her side, is warmly remembered as a visionary and generous leader who cherished the ideals of safe, thriving neighborhood communities – no matter the zip code – and a safer America. The leadership and staff of One CommunityUSA also acknowledge her spirit of exceptional giving to an array of philanthropic causes that greatly enrich our society. With most of her work focusing on the North Texas region, we – and those she served – are tremendously grateful for the extraordinary improvements she made in the lives of children, adults, and families."
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SIGN UP The nonprofit recognized Brinker for developing nationally acclaimed programs that have undergone rigorous research, transformed lives, and brought positive changes in underserved communities.
Among the many programs Brinker initiated include:
- Pathways to H.O.P.E.SM, a reentry, diversion, and mentoring program that helps return offenders to society as productive, law-abiding members
- Shop Talk SM, a proven community-engagement program that builds trust and communication between first responders and barber shop/beauty salon owners and customers in underserved neighborhoods
- UNA Comunidad, a neighborhood inclusion program that strives to build neighborhood unity
Brinker was married to the late restaurateur Norman Brinker for six years. Norman Brinker was the CEO of Brinker International, which owns more than 1,600 restaurants globally.
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Some of the restaurants owned by Brinker International are Chili’s Grill & Bar, On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, Maggiano’s Little Italy, and Romano’s Macaroni Grill. Norman Brinker passed away in 2009.
On Valentine's Day in 2014, Toni Brinker married T. Boone Pickens, a legendary Texas oil tycoon known for his wealth, audacity, and quotable nature. Later in life, he became even richer through corporate takeover attempts. Pickens passed away in 2019.
Formerly known as Operation Blue Shield, One CommunityUSA was founded by Brinker in 2015. The nonprofit organization fosters positive relationships between law enforcement, first responders, and the community.
To remember and honor Toni Chapman Brinker, One CommunityUSA is asking those to kindly consider donating to the nonprofit or any first-responder organization of their choice.
