Daily Archives: 11/18/2009

Dr. Leslie Jarmon

(Community Matters) Good gosh, I’d woken up completely forgetting that our dear friend, Leslie Jarmon is leaving the hospital to rest with her family.  Very sad; she’s not responding to treatment for cancer.

Leslie is an extraordinary woman.  I must stop by the hospital this morning on my way to the airport.

Leslie’s work was recently featured in the AAS story about UT’s adoption of Second Life for cross-campus collaborations.  She worked closely with Steven in creation and execution of the UT MBA Plus Program and taught highly-coveted, problem-based learning graduate courses.  She was also an early & extraordinarily enthusiastic Obama supporter.  She traveled the country campaigning for his election in the primary and general election.  I’m so thankful she rode out with us to the exotic game ranch recently, so privileged she prioritized attending the event even while in treatment.

Leslie’s been a fierce warrior against her cancer for a very long time.  She wrote her dissertation while undertaking her first round of treatment.  She likes noting that hers was the very first electronic copy dissertation submitted to UT, possibly in the country.

Corporation for National & Community Service

(Community Matters) I’m headed to DC today to participate in conversations at the Corporation for National & Community Service about capacity building and how we can leverage finite existing assets.

nope, no changes, this strictly volunteerism through EF

Goldman Sach’s $500 million

(Community Matters) It’s all over the news, Goldman’s $500mm for small businesses.  Early reports suggesting $300mm will be earmarked through CDFIs (community development financial institutions).  You can bet we’re all over that at PeopleFund.  In recent conversations about job creation, it’s been noted that CDFIs are seeing high demand for lending and our clients do create jobs and wealth, especially in low & moderate income communities. These monies would be well deployed.  Everyone has got to resist good money after bad and speculation. There are too many good opportunities to squander very finite capital.

Miracle Foundation

(Community Matters) A new village for orphans in India.  Caroline Bodreaux and her team don’t stop – thank gosh for the team and the Miracle Foundation.  Last night’s event held at Donna & Steve Hick’s home, the Reed Estate in Pemberton, was packed with philanthropists and Miracle Foundation ambassadors – those men & women who have traveled with Caroline to India. 

Nav Sooch & Whitney Casey joined in hosting the event.  Lots of Austin’s most generous on hand including John Paul & Eloise DeJoria, Andra & Joe Liemandt, Ken DeAngelis & Lori Moritz, Nona Niland & David Braun, Krishna Srinivasan, Elizabeth Davis, Ben Cohen, Randi Shade & Kayla Shell and lots of others.  Steven and I couldn’t stay for all the event but I’m betting they raised nearly $2mm.  One friend on hand was prepared to pledge nearly $1mm.



Mixed News Today

(Community Matters) Such great news today about Michael Mitchell’s cancer not having returned.  Regrettably, not so great news about another friend with lymphoma who’s going into hospice tomorrow.  Treatments are not making progress.  Great news about another friend rushed to the hospital yesterday, no heart trouble after all.  Many ups and downs.

Michael @ MDA

(Community Matters) Good news. No evidence of its return