2024 Unsung Hero Award: Tamara Carlisle

By Kalie VanDewater

Unsung Hero Award

Tamara Carlisle

Board Member
Central Texas Table of Grace

Every nonprofit has someone on the team that goes above and beyond in dedicating themselves to its mission. Unfortunately, those efforts may sometimes go unrecognized.

At Central Texas Table of Grace (CTTG), a nonprofit that offers a stable home environment for children and youth in crisis, a significant contributor is Tamara Carlisle, recipient of this year’s NonProfit PRO Unsung Hero Award.

Carlisle joined the Central Texas Table of Grace board of directors in 2019 and has only deepened her commitment to its mission since then. According to her nominator, one of her biggest contributions was organizing and executing two major fundraisers.

“Tam embraced this challenge with remarkable determination, relying on her community connections and personal drive to raise nearly $80,000 for CTTG,” her nominator told NonProfit PRO. “These fundraisers were specifically focused on supporting our Grace365 program, which provides vital resources and support to young adults who have aged out of the foster care system. Thanks to Tam's unwavering dedication and hard work, these fundraisers were not only successful but also instrumental in getting the Grace365 program off the ground.”

Additionally, Carlisle’s nominator noted that she is creative, determined and resourceful, all of which have shone through in the work she does for the nonprofit. For instance, by connecting with one of her business clients, Carlisle was able to secure four storage units’ worth of almost-new furniture for the organization’s emergency shelter.

“This generous donation allowed us to refresh our emergency shelter with beautiful, high-quality furniture and decor, creating a more comfortable and welcoming environment for the children in our care,” her nominator said. “The kids were thrilled with the new furnishings, and a few items even found their way into the apartments of our Grace365 young adults, further enhancing their living spaces.”

Carlisle’s dedication to giving the kids and young adults at Central Texas Table of Grace a safe place to live goes beyond the nonprofit’s walls.

“During the big freeze a few years ago, when our shelter lost power, Tam and her wife, Donna Blair, were among the first to step in and help,” Carlisle’s nominator said. “They quickly mobilized to transport our 13 kids and staff to safety, ensuring that everyone had a warm and secure place to stay. In addition to providing transportation, Tam and Donna also brought groceries for the kids and staff, demonstrating their deep care and concern for the well-being of our community.”

Carlisle’s commitment to the cause has even inspired others to get involved.

“Her relentless hard work and dedication to the children and young adults at CTTG have made a lasting impact on our organization, and we are incredibly fortunate to have her on our team,” her nominator said.