Posted on Dec 29, 2019 in
HOMETOWN HEROES
Elizabeth and Phillip Butler at The Methodist Centennial Gala.
By Joan Frances –
Philanthropy is described as “goodwill to fellow members of the human race,” and “an active effort to promote human welfare and to help other people.” Our Hometown Hero, Elizabeth Butler, has been devoted to philanthropic endeavors and perseverance in Fort Bend County for the past 16 years. Her ambition and commitment will set an example for others to become lifelong givers of our most precious resource: time.
Butler was born in a small town in Louisiana and graduated with a degree in Computer Science from Nicholls State University. She met her husband Phillip in college 36 years ago, and they moved to Fort Bend County in February 1986. They have two married children and three granddaughters.
Butler has worked in software development, business development and corporate service management for various energy companies. “I began volunteering after I retired in 2004 by joining the Mother’s Club at St. Agnes where my daughter was a freshman. When she graduated, I joined the Fort Bend Junior Service League and served on the board for three years. I also served on the Beneficiary Review Committee (BRC), and in that capacity, had the opportunity to review information about many nonprofits in Fort Bend County.
“In June 2013, I joined Fort Bend Family Promise (FBFP) – a nonprofit whose mission is to help homeless families in Fort Bend County find safe and affordable housing. I was elected President of the Board in July 2015 and served until June 2018.” Butler was drawn to FBFP because of the work they were able to do with a very low budget. Like many other nonprofits in Fort Bend County, FBFP started at New Hope Lutheran Church, but when the building was scheduled for demolition, the group began a search for a new home and ultimately built a new day center in Missouri City.
Jingle Tree Presenting Sponsor representatives of Houston Methodist Sugar Land Kaelyn Bujnoch, Leena Taneja and Chris Siebenaler with Elizabeth and Phillip Butler.
Butler left the Board of FBFP in July 2018 to pursue new opportunities. She is currently serving on the board of Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital (HMSL) and the advisory board of the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land (HMNS). “I was elected to the Board of HMSL in February 2019 and am enjoying it tremendously. This opportunity has opened my eyes to the challenges faced by doctors and hospital administrators as they strive to provide the absolute best care possible to their patients. To be associated with the very best healthcare Fort Bend County has to offer is a privilege. Phillip and I are both members of Methodist’s Society for Leading Medicine. As part of that group, we have many opportunities to participate in events with other Methodist partners like the Texans and the Astros. We attend lectures on topics important to the hospital’s values like leadership, philanthropy and faith. I would encourage everyone to check out the society and the benefits of membership.”
Since its inception six years ago, Butler has volunteered time, talent and treasure towards the HMNS at Sugar Land’s annual fundraising event – Jingle Tree. This event raises funds to support science education for underserved children in Fort Bend County, as well as special opportunities for veterans through the Wounded Warriors Project and for seniors through relationships with local retirement communities. A record amount of money was raised under her leadership as chair for the 2019 event. “I’ve been very blessed to work with many amazing people who have taught me a lot. It’s my fellow board members, volunteers and staff at the hospital, the Jingle Tree committee and the museum staff that make volunteering worthwhile on a personal level.”
Thank you Elizabeth Butler for your unwavering generosity and compassion to promote human welfare and to help other people in Fort Bend County.
