Blog Posts

As a child I remember receiving the Sears and JC Penney Christmas catalogs in the fall and meticulously compiling a wish list complete with page numbers, item numbers and detailed product descriptions. I wanted to be sure it was crystal clear to my parents that I...

Thanksgiving Day is almost overlooked today due to the commercialization of black Friday, but the fact that most commercial activity is still paused on Thanksgiving Day should serve as a reminder of the importance of giving thanks. Setting aside time for giving thanks...

I sound like a broken record when I observe that fall is a very busy fundraising season in East Texas. You can imagine that the mail here at East Texas Communities Foundation is filled with a steady stream of invitations to...

It is fall in East Texas and the weekdays, weeknights and weekends are filled with nonprofit luncheons, dinners and receptions. These events are meant to rally existing supporters, introduce new supporters to the work of the nonprofits, and raise critical annual...

Heavy morning traffic is a reminder that school is back in session for the fall. It is awesome to try to comprehend the learning that takes place at all of our amazing educational institutions each day. From preschoolers learning to explore and interact with their...

For the past several years, as a part of the 18-hour online giving event known as East Texas Giving Day, donors have had a chance to not only provide financial support for area nonprofits, they have also been able to pledge to...

On July 1, 2024, East Texas Communities Foundation reached another milestone, completing 35 years of service to the communities of our region. When the organization began operations in July 1989, the name and focus was different than what it is today. The organization...

Independence Day reminds me of many of the freedoms we enjoy in this country. One of those freedoms that has been on my mind recently is the freedom of speech. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution reads, “Congress shall make no law… abridging the freedom of...

It is graduation season, and happy students and proud parents are lining up at East Texas area auditoriums, gyms, and stadiums to celebrate educational milestones. Thousands of students around our region will graduate from high schools and colleges to begin the next...

The first part of the year is a great time to reflect on where you stand personally, professionally, and financially. How did last year go? Are you where you thought you would be at this point in your life? Is your family in a good place concerning their life choices?...