About The Dash Gordon Foundation

What began as a simple side hustle quickly became a life-changing mission for Tim Glover. In March 2022, Tim donned a superhero costume to connect with his local community while delivering DoorDash. As Dash Gordon, he delivered more than just food-he brought smiles and kindness to the community. This small act grew into the Dash Gordon Foundation, now a thriving haven for individuals with disabilities and their families, bringing joy and a sense of belonging through extraordinary events. Friendswood resident and special needs mom Elizabeth Ellisor said, "The Dash Gordon Foundation sees the beauty and potential in each individual and takes the time to make them feel seen, heard, and loved." From humble beginnings, Dash Gordon has become a guiding light, transforming lives one act of kindness at a time.

 

In early 2022, Tim and his wife Natalie received devastating news-Natalie was in stage five kidney failure. Determined to lift her spirits, Tim decided to take her on a dream vacation. To fund it, he started delivering food via DoorDash. However, the lack of human interaction left him disheartened. Then, in late March, Tim had a wacky idea: he bought a Flash costume and rebranded himself as "Dash Gordon." This unique approach, coupled with his promotion on social media, led to a memorable first delivery on April 18, 2022. "I ventured out on my first night and caused a huge stir," Tim said. "Suddenly, people came to the door just to greet me." This novel approach quickly made Dash Gordon a local sensation and a household name.

 

The turning point came in late May 2022 when Tim responded to a plea on Facebook from a single mother struggling to feed her 2-year-old son. Moved by her situation, Tim replied, "Dash Gordon to the rescue." The following day, dressed as Dash, he went door to door in his neighborhood, asking for donations. Despite some puzzled looks, his neighbors pitched in, allowing him to buy diapers, wipes, and food, which he delivered in full costume. Word of his good deed quickly spread, leading the City of League City to invite Dash to read at a children's story hour and later film a documentary about his efforts. The documentary won a Savvy Award for excellence in government communications. Following this initial brush with fame, requests for Dash started pouring in.

Sarah's House, a Pasadena shelter for women escaping domestic violence, reached out for Dash's help in bringing smiles back to those who had faced tragic situations. Tim invited his longtime friend Ben Waxman to record the interaction, launching a YouTube series called The Dash Chronicles, where they highlighted the positive impact Dash was making in the community.

 

Soon after. Dash Gordon gained recognition in The Houston Chronicle, Galveston Daily News, FOX26, and ABC. While considering his next move, Dash saw a news story about a small event for the special needs community. It was the usual uninspired event where they sat in a stuffy gym and ate pizza.

 

He asked his wife. Natalie, "What can we do to make these individuals feel special?" Natalie immediately suggested a winter formal. The inaugural dance at Kemah Gardens quickly filled all 173 RSVP slots within hours. The success of the Winter Formal garnered the attention of the president of the Associated Credit Union of Texas, who reached out to help them form The Dash Gordon Foundation in February 2023, co-founded by Tim and Natalie Glover and Ben and Jenn Waxman. Soon after, they hosted an '80s dance with over 300 attendees and launched The Dash Gordon Heroes Market, where individuals with disabilities sold their creations at a farmer's market. With each event, the foundation continued to expand its impact, inspiring hope and showing the world the incredible potential of the special needs community.

 

Inspiration struck one evening at a Miss League City pageant, and the team decided to host an all-female special needs pageant. That moment marked the beginning of their biggest and most successful event to date: the inaugural 'A Night to Remember' pageant in October 2023. The pageant, produced by Shelly Garrido, was a testament to the foundation's commitment to creating memorable experiences. It surpassed all expectations. Ben's emotional interviews with parents played as the participants' walked the runway. "There wasn't a dry eye in the house," Dash recalled. The pageant crowned four queens: Cadyn Cisneros as Miss Texas Royalty Ultimate Queen, Annalee Hass, Kadence Rodrigue, and AnnMarie Buckle as Miss Texas Royalty Queens. Cadyn's father, Fidencio Cisneros, said, "Seeing her crowned still feels like a dream."

 

After the event, parents approached Shelly with tears in their eyes, expressing how this was the first time in their lives they felt their daughters were truly seen and appreciated. "It's an honor and a privilege to spotlight these young ladies," Shelly said. "I know how important and impactful it is for people to be accepted as they are." The crowning was just the beginning for this talented bunch. Cadyn was one of 60 models chosen to walk the runway for the Runway of Dreams Foundation's Fashion Revolution show during New York Fashion Week. While she didn't join Cadyn in person. Annalee Hass was also part of New York Fashion Week, featured in a National Down Syndrome Society video series displayed in Times Square. Anne-Marie Buckle makes and sells homemade salsa, and Kadence Rodrigue markets her tie-dye products at the Dash Gordon Heroes Market. These individuals have found a platform to showcase their talents and gained confidence in their ability to do anything.

 

Aside from all the dances and pageantry, Dash has formed a special bond with Friendswood High School Junior Nathan Ellisor. Nathan's mom, Elizabeth, said.

 

"He's come to trust and admire Dash as a friend." Nathan said, "He's a nice guy. but he's also my best buddy!" Nathan's admiration for Dash is unmistakable, as his smile lights up anytime he's around. At every dance, Nathan was by Dash's side, fascinated by the spinning wheels of his turntables. After one particular dance, Dash called Elizabeth and said, "I got him a mixer, and I want to teach him how to DJ." Over the next few months, Dash and Nathan spent hours together on the turntables. "He was easy to teach because he was like a sponge." One day. Dash came to Elizabeth and said. "I think he's ready." On July 27 this year, DJ TermiNATE debuted to a crowd of adoring fans. He was a star that night, with people high-fiving and shouting his name. "The smile never left his face." Elizabeth said, beaming, "That's part of what makes Dash so special: he takes the time to learn about and understand our kids." A theme repeated throughout the parent group in the Dash Gordon Foundation is that their kids have learned to be more comfortable in their skin and have gained confidence in their abilities, After graduation, Nathan plans to attend the STRIVE program at Alvin Community College and get "lots of jobs." He said no when asked if he would continue working as DJ TermiNATE. When Dash expressed hurt over this admission, Nathan looked at him admiringly and said, "I want to do something for myself; I want to be a father."