Why We Give Back to the Austin Community (and a Personal Story from Chef Wards)

by Chef Wards

This post may be a little different than what you’re used to seeing on The Austin Artisan blog.

As a small business owner, I believe it is my duty to be a responsible steward of the Austin community. Since I started my business, I have been committed to helping those who are less fortunate, particularly kids.

I’d like to share a personal story with you that explains why I’m so passionate about giving back.

When I was 7 years old, my mother was killed. Her death and the aftermath, including court testimony, was traumatic and left me feeling scared, lonely and confused. It was a horrific event that I didn’t quite understand. The rest of my family was largely distracted by their own shock and grief.

My greatest wish now is to be of service to kids who may be going through their own trauma.

There is a story about a starfish that always reminds me why I do what I do. A man was walking on the beach and saw thousands of starfish washed ashore. Not far away, a boy picked up one starfish after another and tossed it back to sea.

“You’ll never save them all, so what difference does it make?” The man asked the boy.

The boy picked up a starfish and threw it in the ocean.

“It made a difference to that one,” the boy said.

If I can prevent even one less child from experiencing that fear, loneliness and confusion I once felt, I consider my work a success.

Building my own business has enabled me and the rest of the team here at The Austin Artisan to do good in the Austin community and make a difference in children’s lives.

Here are some organizations we’ve donated our services to:

By supporting The Austin Artisan, you are supporting a mission very near and dear to my heart: a mission to make the world a better place for kids and people in need. Thank you for your patronage. We couldn’t do it without you.

Posted in: Austin Community