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2023 Non-Profit of the Year
This Westie is awarded to a non-profit organization that has recognized a need within our community and who through community responsibility, innovation, growth, sound business practices and community partnerships has served our community with vision and integrity.
(see below for past winners)
Finalist: Armstrong Community Music School
The ACMS team envisions a music-rich community where all individuals, irrespective of skill, identity, or income, enjoy access to quality music education from birth through all life stages. Since 2012, ACMS has joyfully pursued this vision in Westlake. The mission is to teach, explore, perform, and celebrate music in all its forms, supporting and engaging the entire community with nurturing and transformational musical experiences. The campus hosts private lessons, group classes, and free community events year-round. In 2023, ACMS provided 17 free or reduced-cost community programs tailored for survivors of domestic violence, individuals with disabilities, immigrants, teen parents and their children, and veterans. Having reached nearly 2000 people through programming last year, ACMS aims to sustain this impact through consistent programming, valuing the diverse community and the lifelong journey of creative expression.
Finalist: Miracle Foundation
Established on Mother's Day in 2000, Miracle Foundation emerged from the heartfelt response to a single orphaned child. The organization has since evolved into a prominent global leader dedicated to the ambitious vision of a family for every child within our lifetime. Internationally, they reunify orphaned children with their families and train the social workforce to prevent child separation whenever possible. Now led by a 30-year Westlake community veteran, CEO Leslie Beasley and her team also work locally to stabilize the lives children in institutions like foster care as they await safe and permanent homes. In 2022 alone, they reached hundreds of Texas foster children, families, and caseworkers with their FosterShare app, and impacted more than one hundred thousand orphaned children worldwide. Happy to call Austin home for more than two decades, Miracle Foundation thanks all of the amazing supporters in the Westlake community for helping them make a difference around the world.
Finalist: Rotary Club of Austin Westlake
Rotary Club of Austin Westlake actively contributes to positive change both locally and globally. On the local front, the organization has significantly increased donations to the Rotary Teacher of the Year. Collaborating with the Westlake High School Interact Club, Rotary has played a key role in building and installing Little Free Libraries, fostering a love for reading within the community. Monthly, they commend and reward teachers across Eanes ISD campuses. The organization has also sent two Westlake High School students to the RYLA (youth leadership) camp, and annually awards scholarships to three deserving WHS students. Engaging in various community activities, Rotary Westlake wraps and delivers gifts through the Community to Community Helper program, makes monthly sandwiches for the Mobile Loaves & Fishes truck, and actively participates in events like the Chamber’s Fourth of July Parade and Wonderfest. Additionally, they've raised funds and walked to promote awareness for Suicide Prevention, emphasizing their commitment to mental health causes. Locally, they've donated $1250 to the Chap Band for their participation in the Tournament of Roses Parade.
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Non-Profit of the Year
This Westie is awarded to a non-profit organization that has recognized a need within our community and who through community responsibility, innovation, growth, sound business practices and community partnerships has served our community with vision and integrity.
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2023 Winner: Mobile Loaves & Fishes
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2022 Winner: No Hunger, Inc.
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2021 Winner: Wonders & Worries
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2020 Winner: Eanes Education Foundation
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2019 Winner: Foster Angels of Central Texas
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2018 Winner: Mobile Loaves & Fishes
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