Blog de la Primera Dama

Generation SERVE Family Volunteer Day

It’s no secret that promoting volunteerism and service to others is my top priority, and I especially love it when I see young Texans getting involved in giving back at an early age. This coming Saturday, a wonderful organization here in Austin – Generation SERVE (formerly Little Helping Hands) – is hosting their inaugural Family Volunteer Day that will leverage the power of hundreds of kids and their families to benefit several local nonprofits.

Texanthropy Spotlight: Hood County Children’s Charity Fund

In 2015, I had the pleasure of attending the inaugural “Yellow Envelope” Luncheon for the Hood County Children’s Charity Fund. One of the oldest charities in Hood County, the Hood County Children’s Charity Fund is a local nonprofit that was established in 1984, originally to provide warm coats for winter to local children in need.

Guest Post: October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

The following is from Commissioner Jinous Rouhani, Governor's Commission for Women: It's the time of year again when we focus on raising awareness for breast cancer. As a working single mom, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to make your own health a priority. It's the item on the agenda that often keeps getting put on the back burner. But, as the CEO of Austin's leading women's healthcare practice, I also know what a difference taking care of yourself can make.

Texanthropy Spotlight: South Plains Food Bank

Located in Lubbock, the South Plains Food Bank covers a 20-county service area and feeds over 57,000 individuals a year. The South Plains Food Bank aims to end hunger, give hope, and enrich lives. There are many programs at this food bank, such as Mobile Pantry, Children’s Feeding Programs, or Farm, Orchard and GRUB, all contributing to a stronger West Texas community.

2017 Governor’s Volunteer Awards

Last night Greg and I hosted the 2017 Governor's Volunteer Awards at the Governor's Mansion, honoring this year's eleven winners. In their 34th year, the awards - presented in conjunction with the OneStar Foundation - honor individuals and organizations in Texas that have gone above and beyond to enrich the lives of those in their communities and throughout Texas through volunteerism and service.

School Bus Safety Week

According to the Texas Education Agency, more than 42,000 school buses transport approximately 1.5 million Texas children every school day. We all share in the responsibility of making sure our schoolchildren are safe while traveling to and from school on school buses, which is why, in conjunction with National School Bus Safety Week, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is urging Texans to comply with laws prohibiting drivers from passing school buses.

Texanthropy Spotlight: Magnolia ISD

After four of the six campuses in Little Cypress-Mauriceville CISD in Orange County were damaged by Hurricane Harvey, a different kind of flooding followed. A welcome flood of support. The students of Magnolia ISD, some 2 hours away in Montgomery County northwest of Houston, have adopted their “neighbors” and are raising funds to help Little Cypress-Mauriceville schools replace library books, band instruments, athletic uniforms, school supplies and more.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

Each year across the United States, a month is designated to recognize the many contributions of Hispanic Americans. This year, like in years past, Greg designated September 15 – October 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month in Texas. I want to thank the Texans who partook in the numerous events commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrating the important role that Hispanic heritage has played in making Texas the exceptional state that it is.