News Release

Dollie Ruth Neal Ballenger Estate Provides Lasting Legacy for West Texans

July 8, 2009 – MIDLAND, Texas – Dollie Ruth Neal Ballenger was born June 8, 1919, on the Neal Ranch in Garden City to Ike Neal and Jewel Gollihar Neal.  A life-long resident of West Texas, Dollie was a devoted philanthropist who gave generously to education, the arts and many other charitable causes.  Her care and compassion for those facing difficult personal and family challenges are passionately expressed through her charitable gifts.

Dollie named Permian Basin Area Foundation in her will, and on her death in 2007, the Foundation became the primary charitable beneficiary of her estate.  From this estate, the Foundation has established two funds:  Dollie Ruth Neal Charitable Endowment and Dollie Ruth Neal Scholarship Fund.

On July 8, 2009, Permian Basin Area Foundation announced the first distributions from the Dollie Ruth Neal Education Fund.  This fund awards grants to nonprofit organizations that provide education services with preference given to women who are residents of West Texas, 25 years of age or older, managing a single-mother household, and pursuing career enhancement opportunities to become financially self-sufficient.