First Lady Blog
2018 Governor’s Volunteer Award Winners Are Announced!
Today I was thrilled to announce the 2018 Governor’s Volunteer Awards recipients. The Governor’s Volunteer Awards, administered by OneStar Foundation, honors the contributions of individuals, businesses and organizations in Texas that have made a positive impact in their communities or across the state through service and volunteering.
Texanthropy Spotlight: LifeWorks Austin
I had the opportunity this week to visit the East Austin location of LifeWorks Austin, located on Pleasant Valley Road. LifeWorks Austin is a local non-profit with a mission to serve as fearless advocates for youth and young families seeking self-sufficiency by fulfilling needs for housing, education and workforce or counseling.
Texas Tax Free Weekend
It’s that time of year again! Texas Tax Free Weekend – or the Texas Sales Tax Holiday – is this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (August 10th thru 12th). This is a great time for Texans to stock up on essentials such as school supplies, clothing, backpacks, and footwear.
Texanthropy Spotlight: HEB + School Supply Drives
There is nothing more powerful than Texans helping Texans, and one of our state’s most helpful and giving businesses is H-E-B. As summer draws to an end and Texas families begin to think about back-to-school, H-E-B is working with partners all across the state to ensure that ALL Texas schoolchildren have access to the school supplies they need to help them succeed in school.
Guest Post: DPS Warns Texans of Safety Concerns in Summer Heat
Texas has experienced a brief break in the blistering temperatures with a "cold front" the last few days, but it is still HOT, so I wanted to share the following message from the Texas Department of Public Safety which includes tips for staying safe and managing the heat:
Texas Main Street Program: Recalling the Rich History of the Past, and the Promise of the Future
Continuing a 37-year tradition for the Texas Main Street Program, in May I joined the Texas Historical Commission for our annual Main Street Tour, where we visited Temple and Pearsall to welcome these newest Main Street communities. Ceremonies and receptions were held in both towns.
Texanthropy Spotlight: Challenge of Tarrant County
Challenge of Tarrant County is a nonprofit that aims to eliminate substance abuse in the local communities in and around Fort Worth. The three main principles of Challenge are education, advocacy and action, with a focus on prevention of drug and alcohol abuse and addiction. Just one of the many ways they are making an impact is by recognizing the amazing things the youth of Tarrant County are doing. Each year in April, Challenge holds their annual Leo C. Benavides Awards Dinner.
Spend Your Summer Vacation at the Texas Coast
Texas Highways Magazine recently published a special edition issue that highlights the charming coastal towns of Port Aransas and Rockport-Fulton and the communities’ journeys to restoration and recovery from Hurricane Harvey. According to an article in this month’s issue, Port Aransas beaches are ready for people to come and relax.