Serving Is Good for the Soul
Volunteers celebrated for good deeds
By Eva D. Coleman
Lifestyle & Culture Editor
Texas Metro News
VolunteerNow Board Chairman Charles Knight fought back tears during his remarks at the 19th Annual Hearts of Texas Luncheon on April 16, 2026 at the Hilton Anatole Imperial Ballroom in Dallas, Texas.
“Go out there and serve someone. It will help them as well as heal you,” Knight said.
Service beyond self was evident throughout the room as honorees were recognized. Famed philanthropist and former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Dallas Mavericks, Cynt Marshall, received the Lifetime Achievement honor. In a fireside chat conversation with NBC5’s Deborah Ferguson, Marshall shared her roots of serving throughout her life, beginning with habits instilled by her mother, Carolyn Gardner, who presently at 90 years old had the distinction of being the luncheon’s honorary chair.
“It’s a blessing to be of service,” Marshall said as she recounted volunteer opportunities she fulfilled alongside her mother growing up. “She wanted us to find joy in giving.”
The Ruth Collins Sharp Altshuler Award was presented to Hope Restored Missions, an organization serving persons facing housing insecurity. The Tammy Richards Impact Award was presented to Austin ISD for its extraordinary use of VolunteerNow’s volunteer platform, VOLY.
The room was filled with sponsors and supporters who share the same goal, to give.
The fireside chat between Marshall and Ferguson was lively and inspirational for persons hoping to make their mark. As a successful executive who has broken barriers, Marshall’s mission is clear.
“What good is blazing a trail if you don’t touch someone along the way? I want to leave a trail of fingerprints,” Marshall said.
