SAN ANGELO, Texas — Tuesday, the advanced giving period for San Angelo Gives kicked off.
On May 7, the San Angelo Area Foundation will host San Angelo Gives for the 10th year. During the annual event, members of the community have a chance to donate to local charities. For those who can't contribute during the event, the advanced giving period will last until May 6.
Old Central Firehouse Pizzeria owners, Michele and Jody Babiash, started a scholarship fund with help from the foundation. The fund serves the dependents of active duty and retired first responders, and the couple hopes to be able to award scholarships to applicants for the foreseeable future.
"Our first year we were able to give out one scholarship, and last year we gave out five," Michele said. "Hopefully this year we can exceed that."
Jody is a helicopter pilot at Shannon Medical Center. Their son works in law enforcement. Michele said the two started the fund because they wanted to do something to give back to the community and to first responders.
San Angelo Area Foundation's Vice President of Development, Mason Brooks, said the pair came to him for help from the foundation when they wanted to start the fund. Brooks said he and his colleagues liked the idea and offered to help the couple.
As San Angelo Gives approaches, Brooks said he wants people to contribute to the cause of their choice.
"I’ve never met a person who gives charitable dollars or has a generous heart who’s sad," Brooks said. "So, I encourage everybody to rally around that day. It’s gonna be really fun. May 7. And, here it comes."