OneStar Foundation seeking nominations for Governor's Volunteer Awards

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and First Lady Cecilia Abbott, in conjunction with the OneStar Foundation, are seeking nominations for the 40th Annual Governor's Volunteer Awards. The awards are the state’s way of recognizing individuals who engage in exemplary service and volunteering in their communities. 

“As we celebrate 40 years of honoring exceptional volunteers, Greg and I are immensely proud of the profound impact they have had on inspiring generations of Texans, illuminating the path of selfless service, and igniting a brighter future for all,” Cecilia Abbott said in an Aug. 8 press release from the governor's office.

Nominations are being accepted in nine categories on the OneStar Foundation’s website: namely, the Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to an individual who has volunteered for at least 15 years; the First Lady’s Rising Star Award, presented to a volunteer who’s 21 years old or younger; the Volunteer of the Year Award, presented to an individual who is said to “go the extra mile” in serving the community; the Volunteer Family of the Year Award, presented to a family that exemplifies volunteerism; the Corporate Champion Award, presented to a corporation or small business that prioritizes volunteerism in their business strategy; the Rebuild Texas Disaster Impact Award, presented to an entity that exceptionally utilizes volunteers to help Texas communities before, during, and after a disaster; the Community Champion Award, presented to an organization that’s at the forefront of promoting civic engagement; the Education Champion Award; presented to an educator who centers service and volunteering; and the AmeriCorps Legacy of Service Award, presented to an AmeriCorps alumni.

According to the press release, OneStar Foundation President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Chris Bugbee said it’s an honor to work on the awards with the state’s First Couple. “We are honored to partner with the Governor and First Lady of Texas to recognize individuals and organizations that are making a profound difference in their communities,” Bugbee said. “Through the Governor’s Volunteer Awards, we hope to inspire all Texans to consider how they can make a difference through service.”

The deadline to submit nominations is Sept. 22, the release said. Awardees will be honored at the Governor’s Mansion in Austin during National Volunteer Week next April.