Awards & Rankings
Awards & Rankings
Press Contacts: Erik Cummins, Matt Hyams, Olivia Thomas
03.18.16
Houston Real Estate partner Laura Hannusch and Pillsbury were presented with the Corporate Volunteer Award last week at AVANCE-Houston’s Annual Luncheon. AVANCE is a United Way agency that serves parents and children in at-risk communities through various childhood education, parenting and workforce programs. Held at the Hilton Post Oak, the March 11 event brought together nearly 250 business and educational leaders who are committed to helping the Houston community thrive. The event raised nearly $130,000 to fund the agency’s nationally recognized Parent-Child Education Program and college scholarships for GED graduates.
Pillsbury and Hannusch were honored for making outstanding contributions ranging from financial donations for AVANCE programs to pro bono legal advice and holiday gift donations for many AVANCE families.
“I am honored to have received this award and feel privileged to be on AVANCE’s board and support its mission,” Hannusch said. “Like AVANCE, I believe strongly in the importance of early childhood education, but AVANCE’s approach goes well beyond that, focusing on the entire family by providing GED and workforce training and healthy marriage and parenting programs. AVANCE’s holistic approach to helping families really sets it apart. I am proud of the work AVANCE does and very pleased to be able to help the organization and its families.”
AVANCE also presented a Community Leader Award to the Houston Fire Department for its commitment to keeping the community safe through safety, prevention and preparedness workshops and for its donations of thousands of holiday gifts to families in need across the city annually.
“It is admirable when supporters go out of their way to contribute, not only financially, but also by investing their time in the families we serve,” said Ron Oran, AVANCE-Houston’s Board Chairman. “These types of actions strengthen the connections between those who are willing to help make a difference and those who need help. The contributions made by Laura and Pillsbury and the Houston Fire Department have enabled us to continue educating our families; thereby building a stronger city. And the Christmas gifts and time donated have brought smiles and priceless memories to many of our children.”
At the Annual Luncheon, AVANCE showed videos featuring the various honorees, including a clip in which Hannusch discusses the impact of hands-on volunteer work and what drives her desire to make a difference in the lives of others.