What a night!
On October 1, Greater Fayette Community Foundation welcomed friends, donors, nonprofit leaders, businesses, community partners, and advocates to The Oaks at High Hill for the 2026 Community Keyholder Awards, presented by Fayette Savings Bank.
Throughout the evening, we celebrated the people and organizations whose leadership, generosity, service, and commitment are helping rural South Central Texas thrive.
From meaningful stories and new connections to moments of generosity and celebration, the evening reminded us of something we see throughout our work: strong rural communities are built by people who choose to show up for one another.
A Night Worth Celebrating
The evening began with a cocktail hour that gave guests an opportunity to connect before the program began.
Guests enjoyed Caymus Vineyards and Kooper Whiskey alongside live music from Lauren Mazoch. Kemo Sabe added an interactive touch to the evening with a station where guests could brand their own custom keychains, creating a keepsake to remember the celebration.
Alisa Maxime Studio’s Runway Sketch Artists also returned to capture guests through custom portraits. After becoming one of the favorite experiences at our inaugural event, the artists once again gave attendees a one-of-a-kind reminder of the evening.
Guests also experienced drinkable art from Liquid N Lights, an interactive and innovative addition that brought an unexpected touch of creativity to the celebration.
And when heavy rain arrived, Central TX Valet helped save the day by making it easier for guests to arrive and depart with ease. We are incredibly grateful for the care and flexibility that helped keep the evening running smoothly.
Dinner featured HeartBrand Premium Akaushi Beef, followed by an evening centered on storytelling, recognition, and the impact happening throughout our region.
Guests also had the opportunity to participate in the Lock & Key for a chance to unlock a 3-liter bottle of Caymus Special Selection Cabernet.
Every detail helped create an evening rooted in connection, hospitality, and community.
Honoring Our 2026 Community Keyholders
At the heart of the evening were the people and organizations whose work continues to strengthen rural South Central Texas.
The Community Keyholder Awards were created to recognize individuals, nonprofits, philanthropists, businesses, and community partners who demonstrate what is possible when people use their leadership, resources, and talents in service to others.
This year, we were proud to honor four outstanding Community Keyholders.
Suzanne & Ed Ellis - Joe & Carolyn Bailey Philanthropist of the Year Award
For more than 20 years, Ed and Suzanne have strengthened Fayette County through their generous support of education, the arts, literacy, historic preservation, youth programs, and community services. Their philanthropy and personal involvement have helped sustain organizations across the region while creating lasting opportunities for generations to come.
Tammy Collins - Annette Citzler Visionary Leadership Award
Tammy’s leadership has transformed downtown Flatonia through historic preservation and community investment. She has restored historic buildings, supported women-owned businesses, and helped attract new businesses and visitors to the community. Her vision and hands-on approach continue to strengthen Flatonia’s economy while preserving its history and character.
Richard Schmidt Jewelry - Beeman Family Community Partner Award
Richard Schmidt Jewelry exemplifies what it means to be a true community partner through creativity, generosity, and a commitment to giving back. By creating custom jewelry pieces for nonprofit fundraisers across the Greater Fayette region, Richard helps organizations raise vital funds while adding a personal touch to their events. His willingness to consistently say “yes” makes him a trusted partner in strengthening our community.
Senior Connections - GFCF Community Impact Award
Senior Connections supports older adults in Fayette and Colorado Counties through meals, transportation, wellness activities, and social opportunities. Their efforts reduce isolation, promote healthy aging, and help seniors remain connected, active, and independent in their communities.
Congratulations to each of our 2026 honorees. We are grateful for the many ways you continue to open doors and create opportunities throughout our region.
A Community That Gives Together
One of the most meaningful moments of the evening came during the Community Give.
Throughout the room, guests demonstrated their belief in the people, organizations, and communities at the center of GFCF’s work. Their generosity helps Greater Fayette Community Foundation continue inspiring charitable action, facilitating collaboration, and empowering organizations that strengthen our rural communities.
It was a powerful reminder that community philanthropy is truly collective. Every person who chooses to give, volunteer, partner, lead, or lend their voice becomes part of what is possible next.
It Takes a Community to Create a Night Like This
The Community Keyholder Awards could not happen without the people who give generously behind the scenes.
To Fayette Savings Bank, our presenting sponsor, thank you for helping make this celebration possible.
To our sponsors and in-kind partners, thank you for contributing your resources, creativity, products, services, and talents to create an experience our guests will remember.
To our Planning Committee and volunteers, thank you for the hours of thought, preparation, and care that went into bringing the evening to life.
To our vendors, table hosts, guests, finalists, and honorees, thank you for showing up and helping us celebrate what makes rural South Central Texas so special.
Most importantly, thank you for believing in the power of rural communities.
The Community Keyholder Awards celebrate individual accomplishments, but the evening tells a much bigger story. It shows what can happen when people come together around a shared belief that our communities are worth investing in.
Relive the Evening
There were so many moments worth remembering.
From celebrations with our 2026 honorees to conversations around the table, portraits, music, laughter, and connections between old and new friends, we are grateful to have shared this year’s Community Keyholder Awards with you. Explore the photo gallery and relive some of our favorite moments from the evening.
Here’s to the people unlocking change, opening doors, and helping rural South Central Texas thrive.
Photos from the Evening
A Special Thank You
100% of the donations from the awards dinner will go directly to the Red Door Fund, Green Door Fund, and Rural Community Health Fund.
“What stayed with me most was the joy in the room as people cheered for one another and celebrated work that often happens quietly, without recognition. I left the evening feeling deeply grateful to be part of a place where so many people give their time, talents, and resources with such love.”
– Susannah Mikulin CEO of GFCF
Thank you to every sponsor, attendee, and supporter who made this milestone possible. You hold the key to creating lasting change, and with your continued partnership, GFCF will keep unlocking doors for opportunity and hope in the years to come.