First Lady Blog
Texanthropy Spotlight: John Poston, 2018 Governor’s Volunteer Award Winner
For the next couple of months, the weekly Texanthropy Spotlights will go in-depth about the 2018 Governor's Volunteer Award winners, starting this week with John Poston, the Governor’s Lone Star Achievement Award winner. This award is given to an individual who has volunteered for a minimum of 15 years and who has shown that they are that rare Texanthropist who has the ability to recognize a community need and create new systems, programs, and/or processes to achieve positive change.
Texanthropy Spotlight: Persons with Disabilities History and Awareness Month and The Arc of Texas
October has been declared “Persons with Disabilities History and Awareness Month” in Texas, a time to celebrate the many Texans with disabilities who have influenced our history. One organization in Texas that has done a wonderful job of advocating alongside and on behalf of Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) is The Arc of Texas.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer and second most common cause of cancer-related death among Texas women. It is expected that over 17,000 new cases will occur in Texas this year alone. That is why each October is designated Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time when individuals and organizations throughout Texas and the United States work to foster an increased awareness of breast cancer, prevention options and ongoing research toward a cure.
How to help Central Texas flood victims
With the ongoing severe weather and flooding currently impacting parts of Texas, especially Central Texas, I want to urge everyone in affected areas to stay vigilant and always remember to take seriously any warnings or instructions from your local officials. The Governor’s Office and all relevant state agencies are actively monitoring the situation and deploying needed resources to respond to the current disasters. Additionally, I know there are many Texans wondering how they can help those here in Central Texas affected by the recent rain and flooding.
Honoring the 2018 Governor’s Volunteer Award Winners
One of my favorite events was once again held at the Texas Governor’s Mansion last night – the annual Governor’s Volunteer Awards! It was a beautiful, festive night and I was so pleased to meet all of this year’s winners and hear more about the amazing things they have done, and continue to do, to help their fellow Texans. We also heard from Alan Graham, founder of Mobile Loaves and Fishes – and also a former GVA winner – about the importance of finding ways to help others.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
During Hispanic Heritage Month, here in Texas we celebrate the many contributions to the Lone Star State that Hispanics have made. For hundreds of years, Texas has been deeply and uniquely influenced by individuals of Hispanic descent. And today, Hispanics continue to play a prominent role in Texas by forging new frontiers on multiple fronts, from education, to business, and the arts.
The State Fair of Texas
The great State Fair of Texas is underway and with it comes plenty of excitement! Since 1886, Dallas has hosted the State Fair. Today, approximately 3 million people visit the fairgrounds over the course of the month that it is open. Everything is bigger in Texas and the Fair is no exception! There’s something for everyone – from Big Tex, the 55 foot, 95 gallon hat-wearing cowboy that welcomes you to the fair, to pig races, free live music, and the Texas-OU Red River Rivalry football game, to name just a few.
Texanthropy Spotlight: Hispanic Heritage Month and the Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce
During Hispanic Heritage Month, here in Texas we celebrate the many contributions to the Lone Star State that Hispanics have made, but in particular I want to emphasize the indelible impact that Hispanics have had on our state’s economy. Texas is among the top state for Hispanic-owned businesses and for the jobs they create. In fact, Texas leads the nation for jobs created by Hispanic women business owners. At the same time, Texas cities are among the most welcoming in the nation for Hispanic entrepreneurs.