The Greater Fayette Community Foundation (GFCF) is filled with gratitude as we reflect on the success of our recent inaugural Community Keyholder Awards Dinner, held on September 18, 2025, at The Ice Plant Building in La Grange.
This evening of celebration and connection unlocked doors to opportunity, highlighted the generosity of our region, and honored the leaders, nonprofits, and businesses who are the key to success in rural South Central Texas.
Your In-Kind Donations Made This Possible
Over 65% of the event was made possible through in-kind donations from local vendors and nonprofits.
A few of these donations include the musical entertainment of Lauren Mazoch during cocktail hour, Kayli Head of the Bloom Bar, an amazing local florist, who generously taught a class to Schulenburg High School floral design students which created the beauty you see on your table, to the stunning event design and construction by the volunteers of our local Habitat for Humanity and the Fayette County Community Theatre, the steaks by HeartBrand® Beef, and wine by Caymus.
Together with the incredible support of our community, the dinner raised $108,000. These funds will help us continue our mission of gathering resources, guiding giving, and granting wisely for generations to come.
Every dollar represents the shared belief that when we work together, we can create meaningful change and open doors for our rural South Central Texas community.
The Community Keyholder Awards
The evening also provided a moment to shine a light on the remarkable individuals and organizations making an impact across the region.
Four awards were presented:
- Community Impact Award (Nonprofit): ARTS for Rural Texas
- Beeman Family Community Partner Award (Business/Civic Organization): Prime Products
- Annette Citzler Visionary Leadership Award (Individual): Josh Vandever
- Carolyn Bailey Philanthropist of the Year Award: Ted & Wanda Stanzel
Each awardee represents the spirit of generosity, collaboration, and leadership that defines our community. Their work and dedication are living examples of how doors can be unlocked when people come together with purpose.
A Video to Capture The Spirit of The Evening
Kolton King generously donated his time and talent ahead of the event to create an influential video that highlights the heart of GFCF’s work and the impact being made across our south Central Texas region.
The video that was shared throughout the evening featured voices from scholarship recipients, community partners, and local leaders. This video highlights the stories of resilience and service while reflecting the vision of the Red Door Fund, Green Door Fund, and Rural Community Health Fund.
Kolton’s in-kind donation video preserved the spirit of the evening and was a visual reminder that we are unlocking change in the Greater Fayette region.
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.
The inaugural Community Keyholder Awards Dinner was more than an event. It was a testament to the strength of community-driven philanthropy in rural South Central Texas. From the stories shared to the connections made, this evening was a reminder that we are stronger together.
“What an extraordinary evening! Wow!! I can’t say thank you enough.
And this is just the beginning. Tonight we celebrate. Tomorrow we continue the work. To Annette, the Beeman Family, and the Bailey Family, thank you for your leadership and vision. To our finalists and award winners, you inspire us.
To our sponsors and partners, you make nights like this possible. And to all of you in this room, you are the Keyholders. You are unlocking a brighter tomorrow for our communities. Thank you for being with us, for believing in the Greater Fayette Community Foundation, and for choosing to invest in the place we all call home.”
– 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.