Finalists for the 2023 President’s Awards Program have been announced. For over 30 years, the awards program, sponsored by Texas Downtown (TXDT), has recognized outstanding projects, places, and people of Texas downtowns.
The Community Foundation of San Saba County (Foundation) is being so recognized this year. Being named a finalist in the 2023 Best Downtown Partner, under 50K category. The Foundation is a non-profit, 501(c) (3) organization, organized in 2007, dedicated to the enhancement of community life in San Saba County through programs, activities, and facilities in support of education, recreation, culture, historic preservation, literacy and art. The Foundation is managed by a Board of Directors, no employees, all volunteers.
Members have completed several projects adding beauty, economic growth, and development to downtown San Saba. Members represent all areas of business and personal activities, contributing personal donations of time, money, and management/ expertise, as reflected in their own business revitalization, such as Harry’s, the Dofflemyer, Pecan House Grill, the Wedding Oak Winery, and the JC Campbell Mercantile. Organization/leadership of their events/projects also include the member’s spouses and families, partners, and the community. The Catkin's Ball is a prime example, hosting their first Ball in 2009, the event has become an annual, uniquelythemed fundraiser. The proceeds of the event are utilized to assist the city and county in revitalization projects designed to make San Saba an attractive destination for historical tourism. This upscale event is an enjoyable evening that boosts the economy in the downtown and community. Increasing proceeds and the realm of attendees are measurable signs of the members’prosperous accomplishments. The Foundation has also provided some funding for the revitalization of historic downtown buildings, i.e., the Estep-Burleson building/ courtyard and the San Saba Garden Clubhouse; and other buildings: the San Saba County Courthouse Annex, the Visitor Center, and the public downtown restrooms. The Foundation has provided monetary support in the preservation of the Wedding Oak Tree, a 1000+ year-old oak, a Texas Historical landmark, and a tourist attraction; the construction of a native rock retaining wall in Mill Pond Park, built to prevent erosion, to beautiful the area, and to provide a safer public site; and the Foundation makes an annual donation to Young Life, a non-denominational Christian ministry for adolescents which helps youth grow in their faith. In 2022, the Foundation joined forces with the San Saba Polo Club, organizing a fundraiser to benefit the design and planning of a new livestock show barn to replace an over 50-year-old, inadequate building located at the edge of the downtown. These are a few of the many projects in which the Foundation has assisted.
TXDT was established in 1985 to connect and serve communities that are committed to downtown vitality. The organization is an independent, statewide nonprofit that represents cities and towns of all sizes, economic development corporations, chambers of commerce, local associations, small businesses, and individuals.
“Being named a finalist for this award is a testament to the outstanding work that the Foundation has done here in San Saba. Their undying efforts for the betterment of our community continue to make significant impacts on not only our local citizens, but impress those who come here just to visit.” said City Manager, Scott Edmonson.
One hundred and fourteen entries were submitted in eleven different categories from communities across the state. Design and achievement categories were judged by separate panels.
The judges for achievement entries were:
• Wallace Sage, Goliad Historical Commission
• Marc Maxwell, City of Sulphur Springs
• Maddie Phillips, Travel Texas
• Jayne Hoff, Goliad Economic Development Corporation
• Scott Young, Historic Granbury Merchants Association
• Katie Neason, Downtown Bryan Developer
• Alicia Cowley, San Antonio River Authority Winners will be announced on Wednesday, October 25, at the President’s Awards Gala, held in conjunction with the 2023 Texas Downtown Annual Conference scheduled for October 24-27, in Nacogdoches.
For more information about the President’s Awards, the Texas Downtown Annual Conference, or other programs of the Texas Downtown Association, please visit www.texasdowntown.org.
For more information contact: Sarah Saldivar
Economic Development Corporation sansabaedc@gmail.com
Suzy Lawrence
Texas Downtown suzy@texasdowntown.org