Heart on Main Street to be honored with HEARTS Award
Heart on Main Street is being honored this January by Dallas Market Center and ART, the creative home furnishings network, for their service to others and humanitarian excellence.
The nonprofit organization has been chosen to be the recipient of the HEARTS Award at the 36th ARTS Awards for its efforts in helping small businesses with tools, resources and education to succeed. The award will be presented during the award ceremony in Dallas on Jan. 9.
“The HEARTS Award is about celebrating organizations that go beyond business to make a real difference. Heart on Main Street is doing exactly that,” said Cindy Morris, president and CEO of Dallas Market Center. “Providing critical resources and real-world relief when communities need it most. Their work exemplifies resilience, compassion, and leadership in action.”
Heart on Main Street was founded in 2023 and works to strengthen independent retailers who “serve as the backbone of Main Street communities.” The nonprofit helps provide tools and resources to small businesses as they evolve with changing times. It works to give aid during crisis, like natural disasters, through financial assistance, inventory supplements and hands-on volunteer support to those affected by floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and wildfires.
Heart on Main Street has helped relaunch dozens of small businesses in communities across the country through its efforts. “By combining immediate aid with ongoing guidance, Heart on Main Street not only uplifts retailers but also reinforces the heart of local economies, making it a truly deserving recipient of the ARTS Hearts Award,” the release said.
“We are incredibly honored to be recognized as the 2026 HEARTS Award recipient. At Heart on Main Street, our mission has always been to lift independent retailers and the communities they serve. Whether that is through business education or helping stores rebuild in the wake of natural disasters,” said Patrick Keiser, executive director of Heart on Main Street. “This award reflects the countless small business owners who pour their hearts into their Main Streets every day, and we are proud to support them every step of the way. We’re deeply grateful to be acknowledged for the work we’re doing to make sure these businesses not only survive but thrive.”
The HEARTS Award began during the height of the pandemic to honor companies and individuals who showed outstanding leadership, empathy and service during the COVID-19 pandemic. When the regular in-person ARTS Awards returned, the HEARTS Award was added to the event to continue honoring worthy organizations for service in the industry.
“Independent retailers are the backbone of our industry, and Heart on Main Street has become a trusted partner to the entire community,” said Sharon Davis, executive director of ART. “From disaster recovery to everyday education, their programs don’t just help stores reopen — they help them reimagine what’s possible. That kind of vision inspires all of us to invest in and protect the spirit of Main Street.”
Reservations for the ARTS Awards ceremony are expected to open in early October.
