Vision In Action shines a spotlight on local heroes, recognizing their dedication and selflessness with the Star of Fame Awards.
In a world where recognition often goes to the loudest voices, there are countless unsung heroes who quietly shape their communities every day. Their impact is undeniable, but too often, their stories go unnoticed. However, one organization is changing that narrative by celebrating those who go above and beyond without seeking applause: Vision In Action Nonprofit Foundation.
On the evening of September 27th, 2025, Vision In Action hosted its first-ever “Star of Fame” Awards ceremony, honoring 13 extraordinary individuals who have made lasting contributions to their communities. With hearts full of gratitude and a room brimming with admiration, the ceremony became a powerful tribute to the people who dedicate their lives to helping others, those who are the true stars in their neighborhoods.
A Foundation Built on Giving Back
The story of Vision In Action is rooted in the deep belief that community is the backbone of society. Founded with the mission to uplift and recognize individuals who have quietly worked behind the scenes, Vision In Action is more than just a nonprofit. It is a movement to amplify the voices of those who often go unheard, shining a light on the selfless acts that truly make a difference.
At the core of this movement is Deputy Director Arthur Taylor, a man whose passion for community service and his unshakable commitment to honoring local heroes is evident in everything he does. “It’s about recognizing people who dedicate their lives to bettering others without expecting anything in return,” Taylor says. “These are the heroes who don’t make headlines but deserve to be celebrated.”
While the Foundation is still in its early years, its impact has already been profound. They focus on bringing attention to those who do not seek recognition but who deserve it the most. From teachers who go above and beyond in their classrooms to volunteers who spend countless hours feeding the hungry, the Foundation’s awards highlight a diverse group of local changemakers.
Precent1 Hays County Judge JoAnne Prado, and Precent1 Hays County Constable David L Peterson Both recipients with decades of public service in the judicial system.
The Moment of Recognition: The Star of Fame Awards
The inaugural “Star of Fame” Awards ceremony was an unforgettable night filled with emotion and pride. Held in a grand venue, the evening began with a cocktail reception, where guests mingled, shared stories, and eagerly anticipated the moment when the unsung heroes of the community would be celebrated. But the heart of the event came later that evening, when each of the 13 award recipients was honored in a special ceremony including Mrs. Ana Lopez, Mrs. Diann McCabe, Mr. Jude Prather, Mrs. Melissa Millecam, Mrs. Diane Insley, Mrs. Jamie Lee Case, and Judge Maggie Hernandez Moreno, Dr. Shetay Ashford – Hanserd and Annett Revera were among the award winning citizens. All are inductees into the Vision In Action Hall of Fame.
The honorees were individuals who had shown unwavering dedication to their communities, working tirelessly to improve the lives of those around them. From social workers and medical professionals to activists and educators, each recipient had made an indelible impact. But rather than simply handing out plaques, Vision In Action made sure to tell their stories, highlighting their struggles, sacrifices, and triumphs.
The event was a reflection of what Vision In Action stands for: a commitment to acknowledging the unsung heroes who make a difference every day. “This is about more than just the award,” Taylor explains. “It’s about giving these people the opportunity to share their stories with the world and inspire others to do the same.”
The ceremony was a night of genuine emotion. There were moments of laughter, tears, and heartfelt speeches that left everyone in the room inspired. Each recipient received a star plaque and a personalized poster to commemorate their contributions, but the real gift was the acknowledgment that they had made a lasting difference.
Chuck Nash President and CEO of Nash car dealership of San Marco, Texas.
The Power of Self-Funding: Staying True to the Mission.
Unlike many other charitable organizations, Vision In Action chose to fully fund the Star of Fame Awards ceremony themselves. This decision was not made lightly, but it was rooted in the Foundation’s commitment to ensuring that every aspect of the event remained authentic and true to their mission.
“We didn’t want outside funding to influence the way we celebrated these heroes,” says Taylor. “By funding the event ourselves, we ensured that every dollar raised went directly into the foundation’s programs and initiatives. This is about authenticity, not about fundraising.”
This level of dedication to transparency and community support is what makes Vision In Action stand out. While many organizations focus on securing large donations or sponsorships, Vision In Action has chosen to self-fund in order to maintain control over its message and ensure that all donations go directly toward its mission.
The Stars of the Evening: The Heroes Who Inspire
As the night unfolded, the room was filled with powerful stories of individuals whose contributions ranged from small acts of kindness to large-scale community initiatives. The “Star of Fame” awards were not just about honoring their achievements; they were about telling the world that these heroes deserve to be seen, heard, and appreciated.
Take, for example, Ana Lopez a teacher, vice Principal with decades of service in public education who has spent educating children in underfunded schools. Despite the lack of resources and recognition, Ana never wavered in her commitment to her students. She’s been known to spend her evenings working with children, often seeking additional resources for children in need. “The real reward is seeing my students succeed,” Ana said during her acceptance speech. “But this recognition means the world to me, it shows that teaching matters.”
Then there was Jude Prather, the Hays County Veterans Service Officer, a combat veteran, city councilman elected twice who has dedicated his life to helping homeless veterans and veterans in need. For years, he has worked tirelessly to connect these individuals with housing, healthcare, and employment opportunities. His work is often invisible, but to those whose lives he’s changed, he’s a hero. “I just want to help others,” Jude said, holding back his emotions’ as he accepted his award. “This isn’t about me; it’s about the people we help.”
What Makes Vision In Action Different?
Vision In Action foundation is not just another nonprofit. What sets it apart is its unwavering commitment to community and its decision to self-fund its initiatives. By doing so, they keep their mission pure and free from external pressures, focusing solely on the people they aim to serve. Their dedication to ensuring that every dollar is used effectively means that the people who benefit the most are the individuals who need it most.
What’s more, Vision In Action doesn’t just recognize these unsung heroes once a year, it continuously looks for ways to support them throughout the year. The Foundation provides resources, and networking opportunities to those who make a significant impact, ensuring that their work continues to grow and thrive.
In a world where nonprofits are often bogged down by bureaucracy and red tape, Vision In Action is different. It’s a foundation built on trust, transparency, and a deep desire to help people. And that’s what makes it stand out in a crowded space.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Vision In Action
As the Foundation looks toward the future, they remain steadfast in their mission to continue honoring the unsung heroes who make a difference in their communities. The Star of Fame Awards will be held annually, but Vision In Action is also expanding its programs to offer more support to those who are quietly shaping society.
“Celebrating people is just the beginning,” says Geraldine Taylor, Executive Director. “Our goal is to create a network of individuals who support each other, share resources, and work together to create lasting change. We’re just getting started.”
With plans for expanding their reach and initiatives, Vision In Action is poised to become a powerful force for good in the nonprofit world. Their commitment to making a difference is undeniable, and their impact will only grow in the years to come.
Get Involved: Celebrate the Heroes in Your Community
If you know someone who deserves to be recognized for their contributions to the community, Vision In Action wants to hear from you. Whether you’re looking to nominate someone for the next Star of Fame Awards or you want to get involved with the Foundation’s mission, there are plenty of ways to make a difference.
Visit Vision In Action’s website to learn more about their programs, upcoming events, and how you can contribute to making a positive impact. Whether it’s donating your time, sharing a story, or simply spreading the word, your support helps amplify the voices of those who have always gone unnoticed.
The Star of Fame Awards were more than just a ceremony; they were a celebration of everything that makes communities strong, dedication, hard work, and a heart for others. Vision In Action is proof that, with the right support and recognition, these heroes can inspire others to make a difference, too.
Contact Information
Geraldine W. Taylor
Executive Director
Vision In Action Nonprofit Foundation (501C 3)
174 South Guadalupe Street, Suite 107C
San Marcos, Texas 78666
Email: vi**************@***il.com
