On March 22, four companies were recognized for their commitment and bigheartedness to continually serve the Austin community during the sixth-annual Austin Gives Generous Business Awards program. Austin Gives, a program of the Austin Chamber, recognizes businesses for their commitment to social investments and volunteerism in the Central Texas region. The winners of this year’s 2018 Generous Business Awards were chosen from a group of 15 finalists and include:

• Charitable Champion (under 26 employees)—Moonshine Sweet Tea—view
• Big Heart (27-100 employees)—JE Dunn—view
• Bold Giver (100-400 employees)—WP Engine—view
• Community Leader (over 400 employees)—Wells Fargo—view

The keynote, Gary S. Farmer, was the recipient of the 2018 Bobby Jenkins Philanthropic Leadership Award for his local efforts to enhance the Austin community. Farmer spoke briefly on his humble beginnings and how his community service as a youth shaped him to become one of Austin’s most valuable social philanthropists.

Giving Back: It Begins With Family

Growing up in West Columbia, Texas, Gary Farmer started giving back to his community when he was a Boy Scout. Farmer recounts the time his parents told him that there were two types of people in the world—the givers and the takers—and how he has to decide which one he wants to be. He believes that the generosity of his family along with his neighbors shaped his core philosophy of doing what’s right and motivated him to help others.

“In my small town, when something needed to be done, people stepped forward. Leaders stepped forward and what we were doing 50 years ago is today known as crowdfunding. We crowdfunded if the community needed a new ball field. We crowdfunded if the church needed a new road. That was an activity or way that people would get together and support. That community of givers shaped who I am to be right now.”

Encouraging Words: Everyone Can Be Involved

Farmer shares his first volunteer experience as a trash picker with the Stock Show and Rodeo. Every Saturday and Sunday morning he would pick up garbage for the Trash Committee. Although his role was not for the faintest hearts, Farmer realized he had to start somewhere. That same credence should be the same mindset of individuals or companies looking to make a difference in Austin.

“There are so many different areas for people to get involved. Just look around at the organizations that have made a tremendous impact in our community. But they had to start somewhere.”

Farmer encourages individuals or companies who are still not sure where to start to give him a call. “Austin is such a wonderful place. I think by giving you are changing the trajectory of someone’s life and who knows what they will do in this world to be impactful.”

For decades, Gary Farmer has been working to make the Austin region a great place to live, work, and raise a family. As a philanthropist, he has supported several nonprofit organizations including Caritas, Dell Jewish Community Center, Dell Medical Center, Heart Gift Seton Fund, Helping Hand Home, Hill Country Conservancy, Texas Tribune, The Thinkery, The University of Texas, and Waller Creek Conservancy. Gary has chaired six capital campaigns which raised approximately $75 million. He currently serves as the Chairman of Opportunity Austin 4.0, the Chamber’s economic development initiative aimed at fostering and creating job investments in Central Texas.

To learn more about the Austin Gives finalists, click through our video series below starting with our Charitable Champions.

To relive the event, view photos here.