I suspect that many of us, at some time, have dreamed of that one phone call that can literally change the direction of our lives.

Last December, Dr. Bob Smith, a local philanthropist placed such a call. He offered to contribute, through the Bob Smith M.D. Foundation, $1 million to a program that would make a difference in the lives of children and youth in the City of Dallas.

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On Aug. 23, Chief Ben Click and the City Council made public an unprecedented effort to impact the lives of our young people.

This program, designed to enhance many existing programs as well as incorporate new incentives in education, is founded in the very fundamental idea that everyone plays a role in making Dallas a better place.

By forming partnerships with our police officers, ordinary citizens can truly impact crime in our neighborhoods. By promoting partnerships with our schools, we and our neighbors can help young children who are struggling to learn.

Better Kids-Better Dallas offers the promise of a better future to thousands of Dallas citizens. Many children in primary grades will be challenged to improve their academic performance and rewarded when they achieve their goals.