Each month, we honor a woman who gives time, talents, and dollars to her community. These women are courageous and see the problems communities face not as problems for someone else to correct, but as opportunities to give. This month we’ve asked Lizzie Ware Williams to answer questions that give the reader a sense of, âI can do that!â Thatâs our hope with this project â that all women will see they have everything they need to be philanthropists and to inspire them to see their community as the place to start their legacy.
AAF: What is your first memory of giving a philanthropic gift?
Lizzie: My first memory of giving as an adult, was to United Way over 20 years ago. I was fascinated to learn that so many organizations were linked together to help our community and I wanted to contribute.
AAF: What is your favorite charitable gift you have ever given?
Lizzie: I donât think I have a favorite. When and where I give changes with my seasons of life. I like to give to many organizations that I believe I can actually make a difference.
AAF: Who taught you how to give?
Lizzie: My parents
AAF: Who and what inspires you to be involved in what your community is doing?
Lizzie: I believe in a healthy future for Amarillo, and I want it to thrive for my kids. Building a better community for them is my âwhyâ.
AAF: What advice would you give to someone wanting to be more involved in philanthropy?
Lizzie: Join Hands On Amarillo, of course! It is a great way to learn about so many organizations in one place and it can help people find a cause that is important to them, and how they can get involved.
AAF: What motivates you to give in your community?
Lizzie: The community is enriched by what YOU put into it. If you want positive things to happen, you have to participate in the action.
AAF: How does philanthropy make our community better?
Lizzie: Getting involved is necessary for your own personal education. It helps you understand what is actually going on in your community and areas of concern that need to be addressed, and how you might be able to help.
AAF: What are our communityâs strengths and weaknesses?
Lizzie: Our community has a lot of strengths, but I appreciate that our citizens rally around their neighbors in times of need. People come out of the woodwork to help others who are troubled. Our weakness is that we are stagnant, in that people struggle with allowing and accepting change.
AAF: My favorite thing about my community is…
Lizzie: That people are not afraid to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty to help others, and they will GIVE!
