First Lady Cecilia Abbott, OneStar Foundation Announce 2021 Governor’s Volunteer Awards Recipients | Texas

By Editor On Oct 18, 2021

[ad_1]

Austin, Texas, Oct 18, 2021 / PRNewswire / – Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott, Honorary Chairman of the Governor’s Volunteer Awards 2021, announced the recipients of the 38th annual Governor’s Volunteer Awards. These awards – awarded with the OneStar Foundation – recognize the exemplary service of individuals / organizations who have made significant and measurable contributions through service and volunteering over the past year.

The winners were selected for their involvement in a voluntary service that effectively addresses a critical need, has a lasting positive effect and inspires others to participate.

This year, the Governor’s Volunteer Awards introduced three new categories to match the evolving volunteer landscape: Innovation in Volunteering, Excellence in Disaster Volunteering, and Volunteer Family of the Year. These price categories highlight the resilience and adaptability required during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Texans are naturally generous,” said the Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott. “I am so inspired by the generosity and selfless commitment that volunteers have shown in this great state over the past year. Now, more than ever, we need to embrace our communities. I am very pleased to recognize this year’s 11 outstanding award winners for their pioneering role. ”

“All of this year’s award winners have made ongoing dedication to their service even in the most extraordinary circumstances,” said Chris Bugbee, OneStar President and CEO. “They persevered despite the pandemic and faced the challenge of meeting the extraordinary needs of the community this year. We are grateful to these incredible awardees for changing the lives of so many Texans. “

The winners will be honored at an online awards ceremony hosted by the Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott. The recipients are:

Chucks & Gena Norris (Navasota): Governor’s Lifetime Volunteer Achievement Award: Known as an actor and martial arts legend, Chuck Norris, along with his wife Gena, has used his skills and fame to help young people develop the mental and physical strength to face life’s challenges.

Cindy Brinker Simmons (Dallas / Fort Worth): Governor’s Lifetime Volunteer Achievement Award: Simmons has dedicated her life to advancing pediatric cancer patients Texas and supporting those struggling with illness, hopelessness, or isolation.

Betty Ann Taylor (Houston): Governor’s Lifetime Volunteer Achievement Award: For 24 years, Taylor has led year-round Manna Service, a Chapelwood United Methodist Church program that builds a bridge of hope for families in crisis Houston.

Hannah Guan (San Antonio): First Lady’s Rising Star Volunteer Award: At the age of 11 Hannah Guan founded San Antonio Math Include to provide better access to STEM education and to serve more than 36,000 students around the world.

Madan G. Luthra (Houston): Volunteer of the Year Award: Since COVID-19, Madan G. Luthra has volunteered more than 30 hours per week to support families in need through Sewa International’s family service program.

Richard & Linda Customs (Houston): Volunteer Family of the Year: Customs have been working for SEARCH Homeless Services for over 20 years, from preparing and serving meals to taking over one of the locations where SEARCH’s customers live.

Diamondback Energy, Inc. (Midland / Permian Basin): Corporate Volunteering Champion Award: Diamondback Energy, Inc. channeled its support to local public schools, providing approximately 430 hours of service and more $ 5.2 million in the Permian Basin Community since 2020.

The Edinburgh High School Chapter of the National Honor Society (Edinburgh): Service Learning Champion Award: EHS National Honor Society was instrumental in setting up and preparing drive-by distributions, distributing more than 10,000 free books to students whose families are in financial difficulty.

Hookset Brothers Combat Recovery 501c3 (Bullard): Innovation in Volunteerism Award: Hookset Brothers Combat Recovery offers free hunting and fishing trips to help veterans recover from combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder.

Somebody cares about America (Houston): Excellence in Disaster Volunteerism Award: During times of disaster, Somebody Cares America (SCA) mobilizes local churches and partner organizations to serve the communities by providing financial and material resources along with education, labor, leadership and expertise.

Nuria A. Diallo Padro (San Antonio): National Service “Make a Difference” Award: As an AmeriCorps member of Communities In Schools of San Antonio, Diallo Padro Raised emergency funds for grocery gift card delivery and worked with the San Antonio Food Bank and the local school district to house a Mobile Food Pantry that served 450 families with food.

Information on the winners and their entries can be found here.

About OneStar

OneStar strengthens Texas Communities by creating avenues for individuals and organizations to engage, network, and accelerate impact. We promote service and volunteering as effective solutions for the toughest social challenges in our country. We are a nationwide voice for that Texas non-profit sector and a respected partner to foundations, government agencies and business. Born in 1974 from the state government, we carry out our mission under the guidance and guidance of the office of Texas Governor. Learn more at onestarfoundation.org.

Call for more information Joelle Polisky, 615-516-0358.

View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/first-lady-cecilia-abbott-onestar-foundation-announce-2021-governors-volunteer-awards-recipients-301401455.html

SOURCE OneStar Foundation

Recent stories you may have missed

[ad_2]