The Waco couple continues to give both money and time to important causes as a way of giving back to the community.
Over the last few months, I have written articles on business leaders, celebrities, and entrepreneurs who have been giving back to the community. I like to spread good news stories, and readers enjoy these uplifting articles.
Today I wanted to highlight a couple from Waco, Texas- Chip and Joanna Gaines. While they may be known for their growing business empire, they are very generous in giving back to the Waco community.
Let's take a look at some of their philanthropy.
The Waco couple
Joanna Gaines was born in Waco in 1978, while Chip was born in Albuquerque in 1974. While both of them attended Baylor University in Waco, they didnt meet at college, meeting for the first time in 2001 at an automotive store in Waco owned by Joanna's father.
They wed in 2003 and that same year, opened a shop called Magnolia Market. The couple also began flipping houses and, in 2014, were offered a TV show on HGTV called "Fixer Upper." This launched them to national fame and recognition as the popular show ran for several years.
This allowed them to launch several new businesses, including Magnolia Market at the Silos, a line of paint colors, wallpaper designs, furniture, a bed-and-breakfast called The Magnolia House, several restaurants, and a lifestyle publication, The Magnolia Journal.
Despite amassing a sizeable fortune, the Gaines' have never forgotten the community that has helped them and have become dedicated philanthropists.
Philanthropy
Chip and Joanna established the Magnolia Foundation to assist vulnerable children and families, focusing on "orphan care, youth development, family housing, and community restoration."
In 2018, the Magnolia Foundation made a large donation to The Cove, an organization that provides support and services to hundreds of homeless Waco ISD students. At the time, The Cove said the donation was the largest in the organization's history, but the couple did not want the amount disclosed.
In 2019, the couple donated $1,500,000 to St. Jude Children’s Hospital and a playhouse built for young patients.
Also, in 2019, the Magnolia Foundation partnered with Good Sports to raise $73,000 for the Bledsoe-Miller Community Centre, supporting local athletes in the Waco area.
In 2021, Chip shaved his head, which helped raise another $500,000 for St.Judes. This included a $75,000 contribution from the couple, who also gave $50,000 to Children with Hair Loss.
"We've had the privilege of visiting St. Jude a few times over the years, and every time we do, we've been able to see that behind every incredibly brave kid is a loving and talented group of folks leading the charge for how childhood cancer and diseases are treated." Chip Gaines
And the same year, when the G.W. Carver Middle School in Waco caught on fire, the couple stepped in to help. They offered 100 percent of proceeds from their restaurant, Magnolia Table, over three days to be given to the school and asked their social media followers to donate.
Last year the couple became ambassadors for St.Judes, and their 15-year-old daughter even designed a t-shirt to help raise awareness for the cause.
Your thoughts
Readers, what do you think of the generosity of the couple? What other organizations in Waco would you like to see them support?
Please leave your thoughts in the comment section below and share this article with others so more people can join the discussion.
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