Dragon Cheer Launches Fundraiser For Odessa Shooting Victims

Their “One With Odessa” T-shirt sales will benefit victims and their families through Sept. 12.

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Odessa is hurting right now after a shooter killed seven people and injured 25 others during a mass shooting this past weekend. But they’re not alone in their grief – the Southlake Carroll Dragon Cheerleaders are standing with them. 

Dragon Cheer seniors first heard about the shooting Saturday morning after the perpetrator was shot and killed by police officers. Dragon Cheer Booster Club President Tracy Thomas says it didn’t take more than three hours for them to get together and consider how they may help Odessa during this time of hardship.

That was when they came up with the idea to hold a fundraiser as “One with Odessa.” 

“These girls have been working their tails off creating posters, signs and cheers for Odessa,” Tracy says. “We’re super excited for Dragon Cheer to have the opportunity to give back in such a way and make a difference.”

The Cheer seniors designed a black T-shirt with the state of Texas on it that reads “We are one with Odessa” on it. A green heart is in the middle of the design with both veins leading straight toward Odessa and Southlake, linking the two cities together.

“I really just wanted to show in the design that we are one with them, showing that we are giving our love to them and we’re connected as a community,” senior Rachel Thomas says. “It was really important in showing our support in that design. We wanted to recognize the importance of sticking together in such a tragedy.” 

Dragon Cheer will be selling their “One with Odessa” T-shirts for $20 at specific events through September 12, according to a Dragon Cheer media release. Shirts can be bought with cash or in checks made out to Dragon Cheer Boosters. Tracy says their goal is to sell 1,000 shirts. 

“We will hit that goal,” Tracy says. “I will accept nothing less.”

All funds raised will go toward to the Odessa Community Foundation to help victims and their families with funeral and medical expenses. Tracy says that Dragons will also be wearing their “One with Odessa” T-shirts when they have their away game against Odessa Permian High School next week. 

“It doesn’t really matter who you’re with as far as competing and school events,” Tracy expresses. “We are here for them. We are here for each other to support each other, to lean on each other. We all are one."

If you would like to donate or find sales dates and times, go online at SouthlakeCarrollCheer.com. 

“One with Odessa” T-shirt Sales: 

Sept. 4 

5:30-6:30 p.m.

Dawson Middle School football field

400 S. Kimball Ave., Southlake

Sept. 5 

5-6 p.m.

Carroll Middle School gym

1800 Kirkwood Blvd., Southlake

6-7 p.m.

Dragon Stadium

1085 S. Kimball Ave., Southlake

Sept. 6

5:30-6:30 p.m. 

Carroll Senior High School gym

1501 W. Southlake Blvd., Southlake

7 p.m.

Mustang Panther Stadium

3000 Ira E Woods Ave., Grapevine

Sept. 9

6-7 p.m.

Carroll High School front office

800 N. White Chapel Blvd., Southlake

Sept. 10

5:30-6:30 p.m.

Carroll Senior High School front office

1501 W. Southlake Blvd., Southlake

5:30-6:30 p.m.

Carroll Middle School football field

1800 Kirkwood Blvd., Southlake

Sept. 12

6-7 p.m.

Carroll Middle School gym

1800 Kirkwood Blvd., Southlake

6-7 p.m.

Dragon Stadium

1085 S. Kimball Ave., Southlake

6-7 p.m.

Dawson Middle School football field

400 S. Kimball Ave., Southlake