AUSTIN, TEXAS, Feb. 14, 2014—The Austin-American Statesman has elected to recognize Beverly Chasse, CEO of Chasse Consulting: Sales Strategies, Inc., as a local Jefferson Award honoree as part of its partnership with the I Live Here, I Give Here campaign. Chasse is honored for her tireless, dedicated service supporting efforts that aid 16,000 Central Texans annually. Established in 1972, the Jefferson Award is America’s highest prize for public service.
“I accept this award with total gratitude and humility to be recognized amongst such an incredible group of award recipients,” said Chasse. “Community service affords us the chance to stand hand in hand with our fellow citizens to strengthen our community by promoting love and compassion for our neighbors.”
Chasse has most recently been involved with the local nonprofit Manos de Cristo, having served on its board since 2009 and most recently as board president since 2011. Under her direction, Chasse has made major strides – “[using] her business background to make lasting changes at Manos through the implementation of best practices in business operations and marketing, making the operation more efficient and better able to address the needs of the working poor that they serve,” according to Manos de Cristo Director and friend Julie Ballesteros.
Ballesteros’s comment is no better evidenced than by the recent completion of the nonprofit’s 2013 capital campaign, which under Chasse’s leadership, raised over $1.5 million to build new dental facilities at the organization’s Harmon Street headquarters. The expansion to an 11-seat facility affords Manos de Cristo the ability to serve over 11,000 Central Texans annually—up from 4,200.
Of the numerous events Manos de Cristo hosts every year, however, it’s the annual Manos de Cristo Back-to-School event held every August that inspires Chasse the most. “Few words are capable of fully describing the event,” exclaims Chasse. “The single greatest moment is watching these young boys and girls light up with genuine gratitude as you help them choose their new clothes and supplies. While this one moment will not solve every problem they and their family share, it represents a step toward empowering them for success.”
The event has now become an annual tradition for Chasse’s employees. In fact, as part of her company’s yearly charity initiative, her organization donates 10 percent of its time, resources and talent to a charitable event of employees’ choosing. Chasse Consulting’s dedication to supporting charitable organizations extends to funding the construction of freshwater wells in Ethiopia through the organization charity: water and sponsoring a child in Mbala, Zambia through World Vision.
“The Jefferson Award celebrates Beverly’s commitment to public service that continues to be an inspiration to her employees, colleagues and friends time after time,” said VP of Business Development Rana Salman. “This recognition honors her sacrifice, goodwill and charitable accomplishments to afford numerous opportunities to the needy in Central Texas and around the globe.”
Receiving this award reflects both Chasse’s personal commitment to serving others as well as two of Chasse Consulting’s core values: mission in mind and corporate social responsibility. Looking forward, Chasse will be leaving her position as Manos de Cristo board president later this year, handing over the reins of a nonprofit she leaves in profoundly better condition than she found it. She will continue her involvement through the Back-to-School program and other assorted fundraising activities. Additionally, Chasse will also continue working with charity: water, with the goal of building three additional water wells specifically focused on health facilities.
About Manos de Cristo
Founded in 1988, Manos de Cristo is a nonprofit organization committed to empowering low-income individuals through a variety of community programs including adult education classes, a food pantry, a clothes closet and dental clinics. Through the support it receives from individuals, churches, businesses and foundations, Manos is able to help more than 16,000 people in central Texas each year. For more information, visit www.manosdecristo.org.
About the Jefferson Awards
In 1972, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, U.S. Senator Robert Taft Jr. and Sam Beard founded the Jefferson Awards program to honor the unsung heroes of our country. The program is named after founding father Thomas Jefferson, a man who reflected the spirit of excellence in America as author of the Declaration of Independence, President of the United States, and advocate for a free press and freedom of religion. The purpose of the Jefferson Awards is to honor individuals for their achievements and contributions through public and community service in order to inspire and encourage others to get involved. Now known as the “Nobel Prize for volunteerism,” the Jefferson Awards honors individuals for their achievements and contributions through public and community service. Source: http://www.statesman.com/s/news/jeffersonawards/
