Chuck & Gena Norris receive award
AUSTIN — Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott, Honorary Chair of the 2021 Governor’s Volunteer Awards, announced that Chuck and Gena Norris, of Navasota, are recipients of the Governor’s Lifetime Volunteer Achievement Award.
This award recognizes the outstanding service of an individual who has volunteered a minimum of 15 years in Texas communities. Lifetime Volunteer Achievement Award winners are those rare individuals who recognize a community need and create and engage in innovative and sustained volunteer service to achieve positive change.
“It is with great honor, and on behalf of all of our Kickstart Kids staff, to receive the Governor’s Lifetime Volunteer Achievement Award,” said Chuck Norris. “Kickstart Kids and our other philanthropic efforts have been our life mission, and it is a true compliment to be recognized by OneStar and the Texas Governor’s Office.”
“We believe our work in Texas’ public schools is making a difference in the lives of thousands of youth,” said Gena Norris. “We are privileged to do this work alongside our amazing Kickstart Kids staff.”
Norris, acclaimed actor and martial arts legend, alongside his wife Gena, has channeled his skills and celebrity into helping youth develop the mental and physical strength to deal with life’s challenges. He launched Kickstart Kids in 1992, headquartered in Houston. His goal for the program has been for students to develop strong character, create stronger school and family connections, strive for higher academic and social success, and become productive members of their community.
Kickstart Kids engages students, often from vulnerable communities, with a healthy peer group and the positive influence of a strong role model and mentor in their instructor. More than 110,000 students have benefitted from this life-changing program since its inception. In addition to their ongoing leadership of Kickstart Kids, the Norris’ volunteer efforts also include visiting hospitalized and active troops, serving as a spokesperson for United Way, serving on the board of the Council on Bible Curriculum in Public Schools and Rachel’s Challenge. Additionally, Gena has served on the Advisory Board for the Council for Life and Board of Reference on the Christian Film and Television Commission. The Norris’ founded CFo rce Bottling Company in 2015 and launched CForce by Chuck Norris, natural artesian water, with the purpose of KickStart Kids being its official charity.
The Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Award is a part of the 38th annual Governor’s Volunteer Awards. These awards, presented in conjunction with OneStar Foundation, honor the exemplary service of individuals and organizations that have made a significant and measurable contribution to Texas communities in the past year.
“Gov. Greg Abbott and I have been so inspired by the generosity and selfless dedication demonstrated by volunteers across this great state over the past year,” said Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott. “As we strive toward stronger Texas communities, we are reminded that the true power of the Lone Star State is found in people coming together to support one another. We are thrilled to recognize the Texan spirit of service exemplified by this year’s 11 outstanding awardees.”
Awardees were selected for engaging in volunteer service that effectively addresses a critical need, makes a sustained positive impact on the community, and inspires others to get involved in their cause or community.
“All of this year’s awardees have exhibited an enduring commitment to service in even the most extraordinary circumstances,” said Chris Bugbee, OneStar President & CEO. “They have persevered in spite of—or perhaps because of—the COVID-19 pandemic and have risen to the challenge of meeting this year’s exceptional community needs. We are grateful to these incredible awardees for making a difference in the lives of so many Texans.”
Chuck and Gena Norris will be honored alongside other Governor’s Volunteer Awards recipients on Nov. 3 during an online awards ceremony hosted by Honorary Chair of the Governor’s Volunteer Awards, Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott. include visiting hospitalized and active troops, serving as a spokesperson for United Way, serving on the board of the Council on Bible Curriculum in Public Schools and Rachel’s Challenge. Additionally, Gena has served on the Advisory Board for the Council for Life and Board of Reference on the Christian Film and Television Commission. The Norris’ founded CFo rce Bottling Company in 2015 and launched CForce by Chuck Norris, natural artesian water, with the purpose of KickStart Kids being its official charity.
The Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Award is a part of the 38th annual Governor’s Volunteer Awards. These awards, presented in conjunction with OneStar Foundation, honor the exemplary service of individuals and organizations that have made a significant and measurable contribution to Texas communities in the past year.
“Gov. Greg Abbott and I have been so inspired by the generosity and selfless dedication demonstrated by volunteers across this great state over the past year,” said Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott. “As we strive toward stronger Texas communities, we are reminded that the true power of the Lone Star State is found in people coming together to support one another. We are thrilled to recognize the Texan spirit of service exemplified by this year’s 11 outstanding awardees.”
Awardees were selected for engaging in volunteer service that effectively addresses a critical need, makes a sustained positive impact on the community, and inspires others to get involved in their cause or community.
“All of this year’s awardees have exhibited an enduring commitment to service in even the most extraordinary circumstances,” said Chris Bugbee, OneStar President & CEO. “They have persevered in spite of— or perhaps because of—the COVID-19 pandemic and have risen to the challenge of meeting this year’s exceptional community needs. We are grateful to these incredible awardees for making a difference in the lives of so many Texans.”
Chuck and Gena Norris will be honored alongside other Governor’s Volunteer Awards recipients on Nov. 3 during an online awards ceremony hosted by Honorary Chair of the Governor’s Volunteer Awards, Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott.