GRACE representatives attended the Colleyville Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet last week to show support and cheer on our recommendations from a number of categories including Business of the Year and Citizen of the Year. We are proud to recognize several members of the GRACE Family as winners!

GRACE employees, volunteers, and partners attended the annual Colleyville Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet at the gorgeous Montclair in Colleyville. Each year GRACE nominates a number of amazing individuals, groups, and businesses for the amazing work that they do for our community.

We were so happy to see Kay Allen and Joe Allen awarded with Citizens of the Year!

Of the many fronts in the battle against COVID, Kay Allen and Joe Allen took their stand protecting and
nurturing both our fur babies and nest eggs. A certified financial planner and founder of Allen Wealth Management, Kay Allen selflessly gave of her time, expertise, and resources in the community. Kay currently sits on the GRACE Board of Directors.

Dr. Joe Allen opened the Boulevard Animal Hospital in 1995, and his kindness and skilled practice of veterinary medicine, surgery, and preventative care expanded the hospital to four veterinarians, and a staff of twenty technicians and assistants. As a couple, Kay and Joe dedicate time and resources to their passion for education and the development of future leaders in the community. It was our privilege to nominate Kay and Joe Allen as the citizens of the year. Congrats!

Our good friends at Atmos Energy won Corporation of the Year!

The leadership at Atmos Energy knows how important it is for large corporations to lead the way in supporting community programs, especially in the face a devastating crisis like COVID-19.

Last November, as the need arose for a major sponsor of the GRACE Gala—the single, largest fundraising event held during the year to support GRACE programs and services—Atmos Energy stepped forward as the Presenting Sponsor. In addition, the corporation donated significant funds throughout the year for GRACE’s coronavirus relief and recovery initiative.

Atmos vice president Vic DeVincenzo truly embodies the dedication, drive, resourcefulness, and creativity flourishing at Atmos. Vic serves on the GRACE Board of Directors, and he and his wife Tina chaired the GRACE Gala.

Congratulations Atmos Energy!

Finally we’d like to recognize Youth of the Year, Esmie Gaughin!

Turning 7 years old—few of us can remember what we were thinking when that birthday came around. Esmie Gaughan, a third-grader at Heritage Elementary, thought of GRACE and the needs of others. When most children ask for cakes and candles, toys and games to celebrate their birthdays, Esmie asked her friends to give canned or boxed food, hygiene supplies, and cleaning products for the GRACE Food Pantry. In March 2020, just as the pandemic was making headlines around the world, an article in the GRACE newsletter about the shortage of food and cleaning supplies touched her mother’s heart. Mildred, Esmie’s mother, explained the need to her. Esmie passed the word on to her friends, and in a short time, instead of collecting for herself, she was collecting food and supplies for those in need. Esmie Gaughan perfectly encapsulates the spirit of GRACE as an organization and way of life.

Congrats Esmie, and all the other winners, you truly make our area a better place!