On Monday, April 24, friends and supporters of Austin Street Center gathered at the Omni Dallas to be inspired by honoree Chad Hennings and long-time supporter of Austin Street Norm Hitzges at the 17th Annual Humble Beginnings Award Luncheon.
This year’s luncheon focused on the Education and Employment (E2) program at Austin Street. In E2, guests are provided resources for long-term independence through employment. E2 focuses on the development of both marketable job skills as well as increasing relational skills to help secure and maintain employment. Luncheon guests were inspired by Willie Conner, as he shared his journey back into the workforce, emphasizing his commitment to being an excellent employee.
A legacy of service was also honored with the presentation of the Legacy Award to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. For more than 25 years, Holy Trinity clergy and parishioners have faithfully prepared and served dinner each month to Austin Street guests. Additionally, Holy Trinity graciously hosts the annual event Night with Norm each fall, which raises critical operating funds for the center.
Event chair Delia Johnson said it best: “Humble Beginnings is such a special time to celebrate the amazing work Austin Street does day in and day out to really transform lives and end homelessness for so many of our fellow citizens.”
Huge thanks to our emcee Mike Doocy, our 2017 host committee for their support, our event sponsors who gave generously, and to all who attended Humble Beginnings!
2017 Humble Beginnings Host Committee:
Delia Johnson, chair
John Bruce
Mary Danz
Travis Dent
Jessica Medlin
Brenda Prine
Hunter Ruffin
Sanka Stalcup
Bettye Stripling
Dean Xeros
Donte Young
Sponsors:
Platinum: Nancy Ann & Ray Hunt
Gold: Nancy Best
Silver: The Clift Family, Michael Gruber & Don Winspear, The Al G. Hill, Jr. Family, Carolyn & David Miller, Morning Star Family Foundation, The Sunshine Foundation
Bronze: Nell Beck, Beck Group, Central Kia, Comerica Bank, Corinth Properties, Highland Park Presbyterian Church, JPN Financial/Ameriprise Financial Group, Life in Deep Ellum, KWA Construction, Richard Massman, Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, Southern Methodist University, Thompson & Knight Foundation
