This year’s annual Texans Can Academies - Fort Worth Cares for Kids luncheon paid special homage to three of Fort Worth’s most benevolent and philanthropic community leaders, particularly highlighting their dedication to the life-changing organization, Union Gospel Mission of Tarrant County, that sits within walking distance from the Texans Can Academies - Fort Worth Lancaster campus on the historic East Lancaster Avenue.

The nonprofit high school organization had the distinct honor of recognizing Debby Brown, Mary Alice Brumley and Cheryl Van Zandt as the 2018 recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award for Volunteerism on Tuesday, September 18 at River Crest Country Club. The three women have collectively volunteered alongside the notable Union Gospel Mission of Tarrant County homeless shelter for over 50 years and have shown their endless support to Texans Can Academies’ mission of bettering student lives. The honorary co-chairs for the event were Karen and Larry Anfin and the event co-chairs were Diane Stow Ayres and Charlie Powell.

“We were thrilled to gather among dignitaries and the Fort Worth community to honor the life-changing work of Debby, Mary Alice and Cheryl,” said Brenda Matamoros-Beveridge, Texans Can Academies - Fort Worth Development Director. “Their joy for volunteerism is infectious and spreads inspiration to so many others to follow in their footsteps. It was our privilege to be able to thank them for their generous hearts and time they give to the community.”

Texans Can Academies - Fort Worth provides an educational route for youth and non-traditional students in need, who would otherwise not have the means to receive a proper high school education. Many of the students who attend the schools experience barriers to their education such as poverty, little access to basic resources, early parenthood and more. Proceeds from the annual Fort Worth Cares for Kids luncheon benefitted the students of the two Texans Can Academies - Fort Worth campuses, located on 1316 East Lancaster Avenue and 6620 Westcreek Drive.

The proceeds assist with offering students a quality education by developing after school programs, providing basic resources to students such as optical exams, eyeglasses, immunizations, a rigorous curriculum based on reading and thinking and more. To date, more than 143,00 students have changed their lives and the lives of their families by pursuing their education. For more information on Texans Can Academies, please visit www.texanscan.org.