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Donor Impact Stories

Expanding Horizons

Expanding Horizons

Angie Dickson Returns to her Roots

Angie Dickson spent her childhood on her family’s ranch in West Texas. As an adult, she built a successful career in finance, but she felt a strong calling to give back. So she turned to CFT to help establish a fund that could accept gifts for Kids on the Land, a nonprofit that she formed with her mother, Katherine Dickson, and Peggy Maddox. Partnering with local landowners, schools and government organizations, this unique program teaches elementary school children about the natural resources in their own region.

Communities Foundation of Texas invited Angie to share her experience as a philanthropist and Kids on the Land co-founder with CFT’s 2015 GiveWisely class, which is designed for those wanting to sharpen their giving strategies. During the class, she met a couple who were so moved by her passion for the environment that they chose to give their GiveWisely donation to Kids on the Land—planting seeds for the sustainable future of Angie’s passion and the students she serves.

Meet Andy Smith and Paul von Wupperfeld

Meet Andy Smith and Paul von Wupperfeld

In 2018, Andy Smith and Paul von Wupperfeld established the Andy Smith and Paul von Wupperfeld Charitable Fund at CFT, a donor-advised fund that they use to support their passion for the arts and equity.

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A Passion for Opportunity

A Passion for Opportunity

Kristofer Robinson Scholarship Fund at CFT provides educational opportunities for paraplegic and quadriplegic students in Texas

Established after a tragic automobile accident that left the late Kristofer Robinson paralyzed from the neck down, the Kristofer Robinson Scholarship Fund at CFT was created to support the education of paraplegic or quadriplegic individuals. One recent scholarship recipient of the Kristofer Robinson Scholarship Fund is Nathan McClintock.

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A Passion for Education

A Passion for Education

Om & Shanti Funds at CFT provides scholarships and opportunities to students

For the Sethis, giving back is a family affair. Parvesh and Jeet Sethi have two charitable funds at CFT: the Om & Shanti Scholarship Fund and the Om & Shanti Fund, a donor-advised fund. Both their family fund and their scholarship fund are centered around providing educational opportunities for students.

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A Passion for Community

A Passion for Community

Mary Anne Sammons Cree leaves legacy of giving through CFT's Live Oak Legacy Society

Mary Anne Sammons Cree had a passion for our North Texas community. She spent her life giving back in support of the causes that mattered most to her—the performing and visual arts, museums, education, and nature.

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A Passion for the Arts

A Passion for the Arts

Cece Smith Lacy and Ford Lacy fund new works from arts organizations through their fund at CFT

As Cece Smith Lacy and Ford Lacy began their estate planning process, they came to Communities Foundation of Texas for assistance with their planned giving. During their research, they learned about donor-advised funds and decided to open the Cece Smith Lacy and John Ford Lacy Fund at CFT to support their giving during their lifetime.

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A Passion for Giving

A Passion for Giving

CFT’s NTX Giving Day becomes an annual celebration for the Ngo family

Joylynn Huynh-Ngo’s children haven’t quite made it out of elementary school, but they know a thing or two about whipping up batches of boba tea, cookies, and lemonade, and sharing their creations with and for the community.

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