Couple from Austin gets fundraiser of year award

Robbie and Tom Ausley, longtime members of First UMC, Austin, were named volunteer fundraisers of the year at the Philanthropy Day luncheon in Austin.
The event, which drew more than 1,000 attendees, is an annual affair sponsored by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Greater Austin Chapter.
Along with their active involvement at First UMC—where they have filled many offices and chaired stewardship and capital campaigns—the Ausleys have been involved with the Austin Children’s Shelter, People’s Community Clinic, Texas Freedom Network, the Reconciling Ministries Network, The University of Texas School of Law Foundation and other organizations.
The Ausleys were nominated for the honor by Planned Parenthood of the Texas Capital Region for their work as co-chairs of the $6.6 million campaign to build a health center and education, advocacy and administration facility.
In accepting the award, both Tom and Robbie spoke of how their faith has influenced their development as givers.
“I am grateful that my parents were generous people and that my mother frequently reminded my brothers and me, as well as Tom, who she taught in Sunday school, that we had been blessed and needed to get in touch with those blessings,” Robbie said.
“As an act of thanksgiving, she encouraged us to be a blessing to others with grace and generosity by not only embracing the gift of giving but also by having the courage to invite others to do the same.”