First Lady Cecilia Abbott announced on Mar. 11 the recipients of the 42nd Annual Governor’s Volunteer Awards, which honor individuals, families, and organizations for their volunteer service across Texas. The awards, presented in partnership with the OneStar Foundation, recognize those whose leadership and dedication have made a significant impact in their communities over the past year.
The Governor’s Volunteer Awards highlight the importance of volunteerism in strengthening communities throughout Texas. Volunteers play a key role in addressing local needs and fostering connections among residents. According to Abbott, “I am honored to recognize this year’s Governor’s Volunteer Awards recipients as Texans whose commitment to service is making a lasting difference. Their dedication reminds us that service has the power to unite communities, uplift neighbors, and inspire others to step forward. It is a privilege to celebrate these individuals, families, and organizations whose commitment to service reflects the very best of the Texas spirit.”
Chris Bugbee, President and CEO of OneStar Foundation, said: “These awardees demonstrate the extraordinary impact that service can have not only on communities, but on the people who serve alongside one another. By sharing their stories, we hope to encourage more Texans to get involved, build connections across differences, and take action to strengthen their communities through service.”
This year’s honorees include Larry Dolan (Dallas), Dave Freriks (Lubbock), Darrell Rodenbaugh (Plano), Timothy Stroud (Houston), Asvini Thivakaran (Round Rock), John R. Dunn Jr. (Kerrville), Oscar, Yolanda & Adrian Cisneros (El Paso), TeamCITGO (Houston), Kendra Scott (Austin), KENS 5 San Antonio’s Own (San Antonio), NiHao Food Bank Initiative (Keller), Ark of Highland Lakes (Marble Falls), Lifelong Learning with Friends (Austin), BOUNCE Student Disaster Recovery (Statewide), and Nicole Gabler (Houston). These recipients will be recognized during National Volunteer Month in April at a reception at the Texas Governor’s Mansion.
The Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott has contributed to statewide initiatives such as job growth and record employment levels according to its official website. The office maintains its primary location in Austin at the State Insurance Building according to its official website and was led by Greg Abbott following his election in 2014 according to its official website. In addition to supporting volunteerism through these awards, the office focuses on job creation, economic opportunities, education enhancement, protection of individual liberties, parental empowerment in schooling decisions, and southern border security according to its official website.
Greg Abbott was listed among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2024 according to its official website, reflecting his influence both within Texas and nationally. The Office exercises authority statewide across Texas according to its official website.
For more information about this year’s awardees or details about future nominations for volunteer recognition programs administered by OneStar Foundation or supported by state offices such as that of Governor Greg Abbott, visit onestarfoundation.org/governors-volunteer-awards.
