Press Release: 2017 Governor’s Volunteer Awards

AUSTIN – First Lady Cecilia Abbott, Honorary Chair of the 2017 Governor’s Volunteer Awards, and Governor Greg Abbott hosted a reception at the Governor’s Mansion last night honoring the eleven winners of the 2017 Governor’s Volunteer Awards. In their 34th year, the awards – presented in conjunction with the OneStar Foundation – honor individuals and organizations in Texas that have gone above and beyond to enrich the lives of those in their communities and throughout Texas through volunteerism and service.

“Greg and I are delighted to have the opportunity to honor the extraordinary service of these eleven individuals and organizations,” the First Lady said. “I truly believe that we are each called to service, and during times like these, it is our duty to answer that call – whether it’s helping with Hurricane Harvey rebuilding efforts, or helping with the continuing needs of your communities, like this year’s Governor’s Volunteer Award winners. Because nothing is more powerful than Texans helping Texans.”

“The response from our fellow Texans during Hurricane Harvey has been amazing, but the truth is, Texans respond every single day,” the Governor said. “Cecilia and I are proud to continue the legacy of honoring those who set forward and volunteer. What makes Texas truly great is the spirit that lies within all of you.”

(PHOTO: OneStar Foundation 10/24/17)

(PHOTO: OneStar Foundation 10/24/17)

(PHOTO: OneStar Foundation 10/24/17)

The recipients of the 2017 Governor’s Volunteer Awards are:

Governor’s Lone Star Achievement Award – David Godwin

David Godwin has performed decades of volunteer service in the Houston area. His longest-running charitable endeavor is with Literacy Initiative for Today (LIFT) at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, where more than 10,000 adult students from over 20 countries have learned to speak English. David has also served as coordinator for the Center for Cultural Interchange since 2002, he has served as a board member of “Families with Children from China” since 1999, coordinated a silent auction to raise funds for the organization, and he has taught ESL at Houston’s Chinese Consulate. Additionally, David and his wife Lucy have hosted more than 75 students from 28 different countries who are in the U.S. attending intensive language schools in Houston.