Community Foundation 2025 Tribute
Luncheon Celebration Of Philanthropy
Information + images courtesy of | Community Foundation of the Brazos Valley
Community Foundation Announces Honorees For 2025 Tribute Luncheon Celebration Of Philanthropy
Kara and Doug French – Andrea Derrig – Sue Ellen and Fred Davis
The Community Foundation of the Brazos Valley ‘s 20TH Annual Tribute Luncheon Celebration of Philanthropy will be held on Thursday, April 17, at 11:30 a.m. at the College Station Hilton.
For 20 years, the Community Foundation has set aside one day of the year to celebrate philanthropy and honor community servants for their selfless service, giving hearts and generosity. Alongside this year’s “Philanthropy” Presenting Sponsor, Briaud Financial Advisors, the Community Foundation will salute the following community philanthropists: Kara and Doug French, Andrea Derrig, and Sue Ellen and Fred Davis.
Kara and Doug French’s story began during college while volunteering at Save Our Streets Ministries and the rest is history. Kara serves on the Brazos Christian School Board and shares her time with Women of Courage, a group affiliated with Scotty’s House. In addition to serving as President/CEO of Stylecraft, Doug also operates multiple other business ventures and volunteers for Save Our Streets Ministries, the Bryan College Station Chamber of Commerce, and the United Way.
After receiving a BBA in Accounting from Texas A&M and obtaining her CPA license, Andrea Derrig worked for three years in the accounting field before opening Thompson, Derrig & Craig where she served until 2006. Andrea has served as Past Chair of the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and held leadership roles with the College Station Rotary Club, Brazos Valley Museum, College Station Parks and Recreation Board, and the United Way, to name a few. Since 2006, her passion has been the Brazos Church Pan-try where she has volunteered and served in various positions including Secretary and President.
Sue Ellen and Fred Davis met in the courtroom in Robertson County when a Bryan “city lawyer” came to try a murder trial and met a local hometown girl who was on his jury panel. Sue Ellen’s love is the class-room where she taught English and Spanish to junior high and high school students and taught interna-tional students at Texas A&M’s English Language Institute. Over the course of his 50-year career, Fred has served as chief prosecutor in the Dallas District Attorney’s Office and currently serves as a board-certified specialist in civil trial law and personal injury trial law for Davis & Davis, a firm he and his father, A.W. “Head” Davis established. Sue Ellen and Fred are community advocates for several nonprofits including Habitat for Humanity, Brazos Valley Food Bank, SHIP/Bright Light Collective, among others.
These individuals have committed their lives to service and the betterment of our community—through countless hours of serving and supporting nonprofits and causes throughout our cities and beyond. The luncheon will feature video tributes honoring each of the honorees, recognition of the Foundation’s 2025 Community Champion, and the 4th annual “Philanthropist of the Day” raffle.
Bryan Police Department Lieutenant Jason James, a long-time advocate for the special needs community in the Brazos Valley, will be recognized by the Foundation with the 2025 Community Champion Award. This award celebrates businesses, organizations, civic groups, and individuals who actively impact our community through their support of Brazos Valley nonprofits. A passionate advocate for the special needs community, Lt. James juggles his work with Special Olympics, while also supporting other nonprofit groups and organizations in town, working as a member of law enforcement, and he’s a husband and father of two young boys. Prior recipients of this award include Mark Sykes, Postoak Florist, KBTX Media and The Eagle.
Four years ago, the Foundation created a unique “luncheon giving circle” by inviting attendees to purchase a raffle opportunity to be recognized as the “Philanthropist of the Day.” The raffle was a phenomenal success to say the least, creating the opportunity for the raffle winner to name a nonprofit to benefit from an endowment to benefit their mission. Last year’s raffle winner, Debbie Brooks, selected Aggieland Humane Society as the recipient of a $15,000 Philanthropist of the Day endowment to benefit their programs. Luncheon attendees will be invited again this year to purchase tickets for $20 each or 6 for $100, while vying for recognition as the “Philanthropist of the Day” and the opportunity to name the nonprofit of their choice to receive a $15,000 endowment at the Foundation to benefit their mission.
Tribute Luncheon table sponsorships are available for $2,500 and $1,500. A unique $350 Community Giving sponsorship provides luncheon reservations for 2 with reserved seating. Individual luncheon reservations are $75. Individuals or businesses interested in purchasing a sponsorship or luncheon reservation should contact Anne Lockett at 979.589.4305 or admin@cfbv.org. The deadline for reservations is April 9. Sponsorship packets are available at https://www.cfbv.org/news-events/
Briaud Financial Advisors joins the Foundation as this year’s “Philanthropy” Presenting Luncheon Sponsor. “Your Legacy” sponsors include Thompson, Derrig & Craig, P.C.; Janie and Fain McDougal & Pat Guseman and Clay Gerngross; Dr. B. Don and Becky Russell; Allen Honda & American Honda Finance; and West, Webb, Allbritton & Gentry.
The Tribute Luncheon is a special time for celebrating incredible individuals in our community. Please join us on April 17, as the community celebrates philanthropy.
About the Community Foundation of the Brazos Valley Established in 2003, the Community Foundation amplifies generosity to advance the quality of life within the 7-county region of the Brazos Valley. As the community’s trusted partner in philanthropy, the Foundation partners with civic-minded individuals and businesses to provide funding vehicles that serve a variety of donor’s interests and needs. Understanding community needs, aligning donors and nonprofits, and providing excellent service are central to its mission. As the champion for the region’s annual giving day, BRAZOS VALLEY GIVES, the Foundation has rallied donors to support their favorite nonprofit[s] while raising over $6M+ over the past 6 years. With over $13.6M+ in assets under management, the Foundation has invested more than $7.3M+ in grants and scholarships to support local causes that change lives and impact the communities it serves. For more information, visit www.cfbv.org or call us at 979.589.4305.