The Texas Plains Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) has announced its honorees for the 34th annual National Philanthropy Day Awards.
A ceremony is set to take place 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, in the Grand Plaza Room at the Amarillo Civic Center, 401 S. Buchanan St. The annual National Philanthropy Day luncheon celebrates individuals, businesses, volunteers and organizations whose generosity and commitment to philanthropy have made a lasting impact across the Texas Panhandle, according to the group’s announcement.
Honorees are nominated by area nonprofit organizations and members of the AFP Texas Plains Chapter, then selected by a committee of community members.
The 2026 National Philanthropy Day honorees are:
Tables and individual tickets are now available for purchase. A discounted early-bird rate for nonprofit organizations purchasing tables is available through Oct. 1, and sponsorships are also available; visit community.afpglobal.org/afptxtexasplainschapter/events/npd.
Other community news
Representatives of Amarillo National Bank celebrated the grand opening of its new Greenways Branch with a ribbon cutting Tuesday, July 21 at 8602 Pineridge. The Greenways Branch is ANB’s largest location outside of downtown Amarillo and features the bank’s updated look and feel, designed to provide easier access for customers and enhanced landscaping. William Ware, President of ANB adds, “This beautiful new branch and larger Mortgage headquarters illustrates our commitment to Amarillo’s future. “ This location is a full-service branch, with four driveups, two ATMs, and 240 safe deposit boxes, and it serves as the new home of ANB’s Mortgage and Home Equity lending departments. As part of the celebration, ANB made donations to Children’s Miracle Network, Family Support Servies, Catholic Charities of the Texas Panhandle and the High Plains Food Bank.
Potter County Commissioner Blair Schaffer invites residents from Potter County, Randall County, and the City of Amarillo to attend a Community Town Hall on Saturday, July 25, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Travis Middle School 6th Grade Campus, 2801 NE 24th Ave. in Amarillo. The event is free and open to the public. Residents will hear updates on local projects, learn about community resources, ask questions, and share ideas and concerns directly with those who serve them. Confirmed speakers include Schaffer, Precinct 2; Warren Coble, Potter County Commissioner, Precinct 4; Amarillo Police Chief Thomas Hover; Potter County Sheriff Brian Thomas; the Eastridge Neighborhood Association; and the Barrio Neighborhood Planning Committee. Additional elected officials and community leaders are expected to participate. “Our goal is simple. We want to make local government accessible. When residents have the opportunity to meet face to face with their elected officials and community leaders, it builds trust, encourages collaboration, and helps us better serve our community,” Schaffer said.
Texas A&M Forest Service commissioned Tyler Sanders as its newest and 13th law enforcement investigator during a swearing-in ceremony recently at agency headquarters in College Station. Sanders joined Texas A&M Forest Service in 2022 as a resource specialist. After being selected for the agency’s Law Enforcement Department in November 2025, Sanders completed the requirements to become a licensed Texas peace officer through the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement after graduating from the Weatherford College Law Enforcement Academy in June 2026. He will be stationed in Amarillo, where he will serve the Texas Panhandle as the region’s newest law enforcement investigator. “Investigator Sanders fills a critical law enforcement role in the Texas Panhandle,” said Connor Murnane, chief law enforcement officer for Texas A&M Forest Service. “In an area prone to wildfires, the Law Enforcement Department works with local cooperators, stakeholders and landowners in the Panhandle to identify the origin and cause of these fires.” To report suspected wildfire arson, call the Texas Arson Hotline at 1-800-364-3470.
This week’s Furry Friend is Morgan. “Morgan was an owner surrender, and is now at Amarillo SPCA, and available for adoption. Her coloring is very unique. Morgan will make a great pet and companion. She is spayed, up to date on shots and ready for a new home.” Amarillo SPCA adoptions can be made at the shelter, 11901 S. Coulter, noon-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Call 806-622-0555, or visit www.amarillospcashelter.com or www.adoptapet.com.
Future Financial Bankshares, Inc., a recently formed Texas corporation, announced this week that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Palmer Bancshares, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary Commercial State Bank, based in Palmer, Texas. Future Financial was founded by Jeffrey A. Kesler, a seasoned banker with more than 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. “We were looking to acquire a strong bank we could build upon and grow for the future,” Kesler said. “We found that foundation in Commercial State Bank, which has been faithfully led by Phillip Newsom and his family for the past 30 years.” Future Financial intends to build upon the bank’s foundation while expanding banking services for customers and using technology to strengthen customer relationships and improve the daily work life of employees. “Our team is excited about this next chapter for our banking organization,” said Newsom, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Commercial State Bank. “The bank was founded over 95 years ago and it has passionately served its communities through numerous changes in the banking industry. This is an opportunity for the bank to remain independent and retain its character as a community institution but with added resources.” He added that Chad Newsom will continue with Commercial State Bank following the acquisition.
The Amarillo VA Health Care System’s Whole Health Department is hosting another drive thru mobile food pantry for Amarillo area Veterans on Saturday, July 25 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Thomas E. Creek VA Medical Center, 6010 W Amarillo Blvd. This effort is in partnership with the High Plains Food Bank to assist nourish our hometown heroes. “The goal for this mobile food pantry is to address food insecurities among Veterans,” said Wade Melick, Whole Health Program Manager. “In Whole Health, our goal is to support our Veterans’ overall health and well-being to improve their quality of life.” This is on a first come, first serve basis while supplies last. Veterans must show VA ID card to receive a box.
Regional librarians gathered at West Texas A&M University this week to learn how to strengthen ties with their academic colleagues at the third Texas Panhandle Librarians’ Symposium. Held July 23 at Cornette Library in the heart of WT’s Canyon campus, the symposium allowed secondary school librarians to connect with their partners at academic libraries, as well as other secondary librarians across the Panhandle, said Kelly M. Hoppe, Cornette Library associate director and head of outreach and instruction.
Shoppa’s Material Handling, one of North America’s largest Toyota forklift distributors, has announced the integration of its warehouse automation and intralogistics capabilities under the Shoppa’s Material Handling brand. The announcement also aligns with the recent formation of Toyota Automated Logistics, formerly known as Bastian Solutions, viastore and Vanderlande’s warehousing business. Customers now gain access to a fully integrated portfolio of solutions — backed by comprehensive service, parts, rentals, maintenance, and lifecycle support across every product and solution they provide. For more, visit www.shoppasmaterialhandling.com.
The Amarillo Museum of Art will host its free, fun-filled Family Day from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8 at the museum. Celebrate community, art, and the 100th year of Route 66 with both indoor and outdoor activities, such as live music by Yvonee Perea, yard games, face painting, and hands-on art making. Inspired by artworks from AMoA’s summer exhibitions, “Ed Ruscha + Ron Cooper: Stations Words | Bars Cars” and “Main Street: The Lost Dream of Route 66.” Art activities will include create a miniature box-derby car, customised Pop Art bookmarks, and experimental printmaking. In addition to the free Family Day events, lunch will be available for purchase from FAVs food truck. The museum is located at 2200 South Van Buren on the Washington Street campus of Amarillo College. For more info, visit www.amoa.org, email amoa@actx.edu, or call (806) 371-5050 or (806) 371-5392 (weekends).
Highland Park ISD announced its policy this week for providing free and reduced-price meals for children served under the current income eligibility guidelines. Each school/site or the central office has a copy of the policy, which may be reviewed by anyone on request. Starting on July 20, Highland Park ISD will begin distributing letters to the households of the children in the district about eligibility benefits and any actions households need to take to apply for these benefits. Applications also are available at 15300 E. Amarillo Blvd. Amarillo, Tx. 79108. For additional information please contact Highland Park ISD, Attention: Kristin Messer, Director of School Nutrition, via the mailing address listed, by phone at 806-322-3766 or via email at kristin.messer@hpisd.net .
The College Board announced that more than 5,500 high-achieving students across Texas earned a Rural and Small-Town National Recognition Award in 2026, placing the state among the top in the nation. Beginning June 18, eligible students were able to download their award certificate at bigfuture.org and share their achievements with colleges, scholarship programs, family, and their school community.
Raising Cane’s is celebrating National Chicken Finger Day on Monday, July 27. Owner and founder Todd Graves marks the holiday he created in 2010 by honoring the life and legacy of his longtime friend Chuck Norris while supporting Kickstart Kids, the youth character development organization Chuck founded. To celebrate, Raising Cane’s will donate $1 from every Box Combo purchased on July 27, up to $1 million. Additionally, Caniac Club Members and Hot Fresh News subscribers can also receive a free Chicken Finger with the purchase of a Box Combo on July 27.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: AFP Texas Plains Chapter names National Philanthropy Day honorees
Reporting by Kristina Wood, Amarillo Globe-News / Amarillo Globe-News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Kristina Wood, Amarillo Globe-News | USA TODAY Network
