Commerce Drives Philanthropy

Commerce Drives Philanthropy

It is a great pleasure for East Texas Communities Foundation to receive the 2017 Small Business of the Year Award from the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce. When you think of local small businesses contributing to the economic vitality of our community, most people...
Art Education

Art Education

I do not consider myself to be an art aficionado, but I do appreciate art that clearly tells a story. Perhaps it is the accounting major in me that is drawn to the intricate details of art, such as the iconic western scenes of Frederic Remington and Charles Russell....
Grace Under Pressure

Grace Under Pressure

Reflecting on 9/11 and witnessing the response to recent hurricanes in Texas and Florida, reminds me that most people respond to hardship and tragedy with tremendous grace and compassion. This innate response is the very root of the word philanthropy…loving people....
Home is Where The Heart Is

Home is Where The Heart Is

Summer is a time for many families to hit the road and explore America. Our family has had our share of the open road and interesting destinations this summer. I hope you have too. Early August is an especially popular time for many East Texans to seek refuge from the...
The Summer Giving Slump

The Summer Giving Slump

Summertime has arrived in East Texas. The cool evenings and enjoyable 80 degree days of late spring have begun to yield to the uncomfortably warm southerly winds ushering in what I like to call Texas convection cooking, where we are all slowly cooked by the wind....
Honor Thy Mother this Mother’s Day

Honor Thy Mother this Mother’s Day

The celebration of Mother’s Day is an opportunity to reflect on one of life’s most amazing gifts, the gift of motherhood. Some columns I write do not pertain to everyone in the reading audience, but not this one. First and foremost, what a blessing it is for each of...