When Nonprofits Band Together, Everyone Wins
To the Editor:
Over the past couple of weeks, I have had the best time getting together with area nonprofit organizations to celebrate their wins, honor their missions, and further their causes.
On Sept. 13, I joined my husband, Stephen, Commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 1309 in Smithville, as he and Fayette County Veterans organizations, VFW and American Legion Posts) honored area veterans at the Armed Forces Appreciation Dinner and Dance at the La Grange KC Hall.
The following Thursday and into the weekend brought several others. First, the Greater Fayette Community Foundation’s inaugural Community Keyholder Awards dinner celebrated Community Impact Award finalists Turtle Wing Foundation, Round Top Family Library, Senior Connections and Neighbors Serving Neighbors, and winner ARTS For Rural Texas, as well as several other award winners and finalists.
On Friday, I joined a bustling volunteer shift at Second Chance Emporium, where area churches staff the thrift store and every dollar raised supports local nonprofits. Friday night and all day Saturday were dedicated to our FCCT Board’s 2026 Planning Retreat, an inspiring time of dreaming big and planning plays, student programming, fundraising, and the capital campaign to open a theater of our own.
As soon as we wrapped up, FCCT staff gussied up and headed to the KC Hall in Schulenburg for the Gardenia E. Janssen Animal Shelter “Catsby” fundraiser. What a fun time, and so much love and generosity was on display for the great work they do. The weekend came to a close with a “First Look” at the Fayetteville Community Center, and finally, rehearsal for November’s Calendar Girls.
At each event I was able to hear about what these organizations are doing, and to exchange handshakes and hugs with friends from more nonprofits, for profit entities, and individuals that support them (and us) than I could count. I made new connections, too.
With all that going on, I missed events at the Texas Heroes Museum, Monument Hill and Kreische Brewery State Historic Sites, and the Texas Quilt Museum, and likely several others.
I was reminded that while Fayette County Community Theatre has my whole heart, Fayette County is the home of so many incredible organizations working hard day and night toward their particular mission and for the community as a whole.
Next up-- Fayette County Habitat for Humanity Casino Night Saturday, Sept. 27 at the Historic Casino Hall.And then maybe I can retire my dress up clothes for a week or two.
Heather Barthelme Executive Director Fayette County Community Theatre