Legacy Luncheon Awards - 2025 Community Voting Survey

Welcome to the Central Texas Community Foundation! We are excited to have you join us this year in casting your vote for the Legacy Luncheon award finalists. The Legacy Luncheon is an annual event hosted by the Central Texas Community Foundation to honor the nonprofit community as well as the individuals and businesses who generously support them with their time and financial contributions. We ask that you consider the following award finalists for the awards described below:

The Nancy Rabb Legacy Award honors an outstanding business known for its charitable giving and desire to give back to this community in much the same way this award’s namesake continually did. As CEO of Wag A Bag, Nancy Rabb dedicated her life to helping others in a meaningful way. She was a founding member of the Central Texas Community Foundation and we are proud to honor her legacy with this award.

The Elizabeth Brenenstuhl Unsung Hero Award recognizes an exceptional community volunteer who embodies selflessness and leadership in their dedication to support local nonprofits with their gifts of time and talent. Elizabeth Brenenstuhl gave so much of her life in quiet service to others and this award is named to honor her legacy.

The Impact Award honors the Nonprofit of the Year and is given to a nonprofit who is changing our community in an impactful way and making a significant difference to the lives of those in need. This award also comes with a $5,000 grant to the recipient organization.

Please take a moment to read about this year's finalists and then vote for your favorite in each category. The winners will be announced at the Legacy Luncheon on September 25th at 11:30 am. The event will be held in the ballroom at Kalahari Resorts and Conventions and we hope you can join us!

1.Please tell us your name(Required.)

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3.Nancy Rabb Legacy Award Nominations
Please select ONE.(Required.)

A+ Federal Credit Union
Over the past six years, A+FCU has demonstrated its philanthropic commitment through the A+ Gives program by donating over $30,000 and contributing more than 5,000 volunteer hours to schools and nonprofit organizations. In early 2025 alone, A+FCU addressed student food insecurity by donating $24,789.07 to fund 4,480 lunches and 2,290 weekend food bags, while employees contributed over 125 volunteer hours to organizations such as HopeAustin, Backpack Friends, and School Fuel. The credit union has supported numerous events, including sponsoring the Heroes Against Hunger Golf Tournament, SparkLove 5k, and the Wm. Co. Children’s Advocacy Center Gala, and donating to The Caring Place, Austin Diaper Bank, and The Teacher Reuse. A+FCU also engages in community events like the Austin Marathon and supports education through classroom financial literacy programs, scouting partnerships, and quarterly online workshops. Employees actively serve on local committees and chambers of commerce, and since 2022, all staff participate in A+ Gives Day each October, furthering the impact on the Central Texas community.

Halff
In 2017, Halff employees founded the Halff Community Initiative (HCI), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, to deepen their local impact through volunteerism and philanthropy. Rooted in the legacy of founder Dr. Albert H. Halff and driven by a people-focused mindset, HCI empowers employees to support grassroots causes with their time, skills, and donations—particularly small, community-based nonprofits often overlooked by large donors. In Austin, HCI has partnered with organizations like The SAFE Alliance, CASA, Out Youth, and Rebuilding Together Austin, contributing $36,020 and 555 volunteer hours in 2024, with $19,765 donated already in early 2025. Since its inception, HCI has given approximately $133,000 to Austin charities, supported by Halff’s annual contributions—including $70,000 in 2023. Beyond financial aid, HCI leverages Halff’s technical expertise to lead STEM initiatives with NSBE and Girlstart, and champions environmental stewardship through Waller Creek cleanups and storm drain awareness projects with the City of Austin. Monthly service events like food deliveries and hygiene kit assembly further reflect HCI’s mission to improve lives and uplift communities.

JL Gray Construction
JL Gray Construction maintains a strong philanthropic tradition, rooted in values of generosity and community service. JL Gray was established by three partners with a shared goal to create relationships that extend beyond business interactions, and to create meaningful connections within the community as well. Philanthropy is baked into the DNA of the company and is witnessed through their support for the missions of nonprofits throughout the Central Texas community. Their financial and community connection support has benefitted dozens of local organizations like YMCA of Central Texas, Hope Alliance, Ascension Seton Williamson, SAFE, Wilco Chaps, Boys and Girls Club and countless schools, sports teams and education foundations. If you attend an event in this community, you will almost always see JL Gray represented. JL Gray leadership has created a corporate culture of giving back where their employees are empowered to support missions they care about with the support of their company behind them.

Lott Brothers Construction Company
For over 36 years, Lott Brothers Construction Company has prioritized philanthropy, fostering a culture of giving and community involvement among its 50+ employees. Company leaders actively serve on boards such as Ascension Seton Williamson, Chasco YMCA, and the Round Rock Chamber, while employees volunteer their time at fundraisers, schools, churches, and local charities. The firm supports numerous organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, YMCA, Central Texas Table of Grace, and the Williamson County Children’s Advocacy Center. Their annual Blues, Brews & BBQ fundraiser raised over $54,000 for the YMCA, and many team members participate in groups like the Central Texas Community Foundation Future Fund and the Chaparral Women’s Club. Through hands-on service and financial support, Lott Brothers has become a trusted and valued partner in the Central Texas nonprofit community.

SAM - Managed Geospatial Services
SAM – Managed Geospatial Services has made a significant philanthropic impact in Central Texas through both financial contributions and volunteer involvement for many years. The company has provided physical and monetary resources to organizations such as the Seton Williamson Foundation, Blue Santa, The SAFE Alliance, Central Texas Food Bank, Dell Children’s North, Community Roots Initiative, and the DoD Skill Bridge military internship program. They have also invested in STEM education at institutions including ACC, Texas A&M, and the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders. Over the past three years, SAM employees have contributed more than 1,924 volunteer hours to over 30 local nonprofits. Additionally, SAM partners with high schools such as Del Valle, Hays, Mason, Crockett, and those in the Round Rock and Leander ISDs to provide education and training in the surveying profession.

4.Unsung Hero Nominations
Please select ONE.(Required.)

Lisa Birkman
Since joining CASA of Williamson County in December 2014, Lisa Birkman has devoted over a decade to advocating for children in the foster care system with exceptional compassion, leadership, and commitment. A former Williamson County Commissioner, Lisa not only brings a deep understanding of local government but also spearheaded regular monthly meetings between CASA and County Commissioners to enhance collaboration and support. Her advocacy emphasizes parental involvement, as she works tirelessly to connect families with resources and guide them through challenging circumstances, always prioritizing the child’s best interests. Lisa is also a passionate voice for change at CASA Day at the Capitol, helping elevate CASA’s influence in legislative and community discussions. Her unwavering service and strategic insight have made her a cornerstone of CASA of Williamson County, and her impact on children and families continues to resonate throughout the community.

Bret Evans
For the past 15 years, Bret Evans has donated 30,000 books to patients and visitors at St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center, where he has volunteered as a greeter for two decades. The book program began when a visitor donated a box of books, which Bret placed in the ICU waiting room with a “free books” sign—within a week, they were gone. Inspired by the response, he continued collecting books from local nonprofits and built 20 bookshelves himself to house them throughout the hospital. Each week, Bret replenishes the shelves from his cart, offering comfort and distraction to those facing difficult moments. The program has made a meaningful impact, with visitors sharing how the books helped them through challenging times. As Bret reflects, he believes this simple act of giving has become the most impactful thing he has ever done.

Will Matthews
Philanthropy has been central to Will Matthews’ life from an early age, shaped by watching his parents serve as outreach pastors in underserved Austin neighborhoods. A lifelong Austin resident and former Longhorn football player, Will uses his platform to support kids and communities in need through mentoring, fundraising, speaking, and nonprofit leadership roles. He serves organizations across Central Texas, such as NAMI Central Texas, Ascension Seton Williamson Foundation, and Defend the Dream Foundation in a variety of roles including board member, emcee, fundraiser, and keynote speaker. As a VP at Truist, Will has used his position to provide significant corporate giving to various non-profits but Will's support is not limited to financial contributions. Will is always jumping in to help whenever he is needed.

Judy Meyers
Judy has been volunteering at Healing with Horses Ranch since March of 2021. She is a mentor to riders as she helped them as their side-walker in their adaptive riding classes. Each year she has stepped up to become a little more involved. Judy visited local businesses to spread the word about Healing with Horses Ranch as well as collecting in-kind donations and sponsors for the organization’s fundraisers. Judy volunteers for the feed team and organizes horse supplements and medications each week so that delivery is more reliable and easier for the feed team. Judy became a board member in 2024 and staff reports that she has participated in multiple committees including fundraising committee, grants committee, facilities committee, and equine committee. If there is an outreach event, you will find Judy there promoting Healing with Horses Ranch, and always with a smile on her face.

Diana Phillips
Diana Phillips has become a transformative leader in Taylor, Texas, driving initiatives that have reshaped the community’s landscape and spirit. As the force behind the post-COVID All In Campaign, she secured $100,000 in small business grants and led the Greater Taylor Chamber of Commerce to earn its first-ever 4-Star U.S. Accreditation. Diana later founded the Greater Taylor Foundation, fostering long-term, community-led change through projects like a comprehensive city needs assessment involving over 1,100 residents, and action teams addressing critical issues such as childcare, housing, and mental health. Her leadership also launched the GIVE TAYLOR Giving Tuesday campaign, which raised over $90,000 for local nonprofits, and the Back to School Family Fun Fair with Taylor ISD to support low-income families. Now, she is spearheading the Foundation’s first BIG EVENT to restore the historic American Legion Hall and unite the community. With passion, strategic vision, and a heart for service, Diana continues to shape Taylor’s future, one bold initiative at a time.

5.Impact Award Nominations
Please select ONE.(Required.)

Bastrop County Cares
Bastrop County Cares brings people together for collaboration around large community challenges - that individual organizations cannot solve on their own - to improve the conditions where our neighbors live, work, pray and play. Bastrop County Cares fulfills its mission by fostering diverse partnerships and collaboratives that unite individuals, public entities, private businesses, faith-based groups, nonprofits, and other organizations. Bastrop County Cares believes that together, they can create a thriving Bastrop County and its surrounding communities. Through connection, empowerment, collaboration, advocacy, and action, they work hand-in-hand to build a brighter future for all.

Clay Madsen Foundation
The Clay Madsen Foundation was established to honor the memory of Clay Madsen—a standout athlete, student, and leader at Round Rock High School—who lost his battle with cancer in 1992 during his junior year. Founded in 2002 by Clay’s high school friends and now led by his sister Sarah Cox, Tre Dotson, and Jennifer Sellers, the foundation supports families in Central Texas with children (birth to 18) facing cancer, providing financial and emotional assistance during their time of crisis. Working closely with RRISD and other area school counselors, as well as social workers from Dell Children’s and Texas Children’s Hospitals, the foundation responds to online applications and evaluates each family’s needs. Assistance ranges from covering car payments, mortgages, utility and medical bills, groceries, and holiday gifts, to offering personal support such as meal trains, childcare, companionship during treatments, and a comforting presence in tough moments. With 100% of donations going directly to families, the foundation has raised over $1.2 million and supported 90 local families over the past decade.

The Georgetown Project
The Georgetown Project aims to build a healthier community for all children and youth in Georgetown. They identify needs and develop resources, relationships and services in order to help all children and youth know they are loved, cared for and respected. The goal is for these children to grow into caring, capable and resilient young adults. The Georgetown Project boasts tremendous results through their extensive programing: Bridges to Growth, the NEST Empowerment Center, Summer Youth Employment Program, Youth & Leadership Service, and Collective Impact. Over 70,000 children and youth have been served since 1997 and they have a 100% graduation rate for students that go through their programs.

HEAL Alliance
The mission of HEAL Alliance is to enhance the health, wellbeing, and quality of life of residents in Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays and Williamson Counties, with a focus on supporting communities of color and vulnerable populations. They are dedicated to creating equitable opportunities for individuals and families to thrive, empowering them to lead in addressing the challenges they face. Through the network HEAL has established, they have worked with thousands of Central Texas residents. The goals of the network are: to build the capacity of residents to collaborate and lead in identifying, designing, and implementing solutions to pressing community problems based on their lived experiences with barriers to health and wellbeing; and to create a regional web of support for residents by building new relationships so that network members can access expertise, resources and support in the network in times of need or crisis.

Junior League of Austin
The Junior League of Austin (JLA) is a diverse group of dedicated women working to make Austin a better place. JLA is a nonprofit organization formed in 1934 whose mission is to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training. The Junior League of Austin reaches out to women of all races, religions, and national origins who demonstrate an interest in and commitment to volunteerism. JLA supports the Austin community by providing both volunteers and funding to local nonprofit agencies, while also fostering the development of its members. Each year, over 1,200 JLA members contribute more than 100,000 volunteer hours to various projects and programs. In addition to this hands-on service, JLA has donated millions of dollars over the years to initiatives that enhance the well-being of the community.