Jeff Montgomery, Republic Title of Texas
FightNight XXXVI Chair
Tell us about this year’s FightNight theme and what our guests should expect to experience on the big night.
This year’s theme is Black-tie and Boots, so think tux meets Texas! Western culture and country music are having a major moment right now, so we’re encouraging guests to incorporate boots or western-inspired accessories into their look (no jeans). We’re also excited that for the first time ever, our pre-event entertainment will feature live country music! It’s shaping up to be a great night of entertainment, community, and impact.
What has been your fondest memory of attending FightNight through the years?
One of my earliest memories of FightNight goes all the way back to the late ’90s, not long after I first got involved with TREC. The event was just as loud, energetic, and fun as it is today, but back then, cigars were allowed in the ballroom, and the smoke was so thick you could barely see the fights!
Another standout moment was the year Sugar Ray Leonard joined us as the celebrity guest. Getting to meet such a legendary boxer in person was a real highlight. Over the years, FightNight has always delivered great memories, but those two moments definitely stand out.
Why do you think FightNight continues to resonate with our members and Dallas’ commercial real estate industry?
FightNight has really become a tradition unlike any other in our industry and it’s one of those events that people mark on their calendars every year. It brings together everyone from longtime TREC leaders to new members, and you’ll even see some of the original founding members in attendance (though they might head out a little earlier these days!).
FightNight is a unique mix of great networking, high-energy entertainment, and meaningful impact. Not only is it one of the most anticipated social events in our industry, but it’s also one of the largest fundraisers we have so it’s a win-win for the community and for the relationships that drive our business.
Funds raised during FightNight benefit TREC Community Investors and neighborhood revitalization initiatives like Dallas Catalyst Project: Mill City. How can our FightNight guests participate in that fundraising effort?
There are four ways you can help us impact TREC Community Investors and its good work throughout the Dallas community during FightNight, and you can do one of them right now. You can purchase raffle tickets from the Associate Leadership Council (ALC) Class of 2025 that will benefit their annual neighborhood revitalization project. We’ll announce a few prize winners in between each fight. Additionally, proceeds from our betting raffle, casino gaming, and silent auction will also benefit TREC Community Investors. Each offers you a chance to take home some amazing prizes.
We think of our slogan, “Build the City You’ve Imagined,” as a call to action for our members to leave a positive, lasting impact on our industry, city, and communities. How does FightNight help promote this idea?
Since its earliest days, FightNight has always been about bringing the real estate community together so that we may accomplish more for our city collectively than we could by ourselves. Today, FightNight unites TREC’s legacy of cultivating relationships within our industry with TREC Community Investors’ mission to invest in the disinvested, energize neighborhoods, and change lives. Through neighborhood revitalization initiatives like the Dallas Catalyst Project, to educational programs and financial services that support nonprofits and emerging developers throughout DFW, and, yes – through major events like FightNight – we make an unwavering commitment to build a lasting impact in the communities we serve.