Giving is What Life is All About

by Ann Bristol

“Giving is what it’s all about.” This quote is emblazoned on a beautiful commissioned wall hanging in the office of James Avery, founder, chairman, and CEO of James Avery Craftsman. If there were ever any doubt about what makes this man a living legend in Texas, and beyond, the message on this piece of art helps explain his reputation and what gets him up each morning.

While many charitable organizations seek out Jim and Estela Avery for contributions and donations of the famous jewelry created at the idyllic Kerrville campus, it is education and health care that tug hardest at the heartstrings of these two philanthropists. Mr. Avery sees philanthropy as an investment in mankind’s future. Both act on this belief in their work in the community.

Although they arrived at this mindset differently, both Jim and Estela are compelled to help others. While he was growing up in Iowa, Jim’s mother helped build the self-esteem of indigent students by sewing new clothes for those who had little. His grandparents were stewards of a “county home” for the poor in Iowa. Estela credits the Sisters of Divine Providence at her alma mater, Providence High School in San Antonio, Texas, with instilling in her the desire to give back to her community.

Whether it is hosting a fundraising event at their ranch, chairing a gala, serving on boards, or financially supporting a nonprofit with their checkbook, the Averys are tireless champions of the causes in which they believe. Jim says that he has long felt the importance of supporting education, either to the institution or to a particular student through the examples set by his parents and grandparents.

While serving on the board of Schreiner University in Kerrville, Texas for more than twenty years, Jim helped form a student/mentor program, whereby a deserving college student is paired with a benefactor who financially assists the student throughout their years of study. The program has helped hundred of students realize their college dreams. He has also funded an academic chair at the University of Illinois, and an off-campus Episcopal student ministry at the University of Colorado.

The Ken Bastian Memorial CAMP Endowed Scholarship program at St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas is also personally near and dear to the Averys. In 1972, St. Edwards became one of the first colleges in the country to establish a federally funded College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP). After Mr. Avery’s good friend, Ken Bastian, was killed in a car accident, Jim decided to honor Ken’s work on behalf of others by endowing this very special program.

Mrs. Avery serves on the Providence High School board, where her work has provided for both the school and individual students. She created a scholarship program similar to the one at Schreiner University by finding donors to adopt a student at the school. In addition, she has chaired the school’s gala and worked tirelessly to solicit major gifts to match those she and Jim gave to the school’s building campaign.

“Human capital” is how Mr. Avery describes education and health care, which, in his opinion, are the two most important causes to champion. In order to ensure the stability of our human capital, this couple has given countless hours and significant financial contributions to a number of area hospitals as well as schools. Mrs. Avery, who is a registered nurse, is chairing a gala for the Hill Country Memorial Hospital in Fredericksburg.She serves on the boards of the Sid Peterson Hospital in Kerrville and the Good Samaritan Clinic in Fredericksburg.

Over the years, the Averys have given their time, talents, and treasures to The Salvation Army, The Hill Country Youth Ranch, The American Cancer Society, CASA San Antonio, The Kerrville Arts & Cultural Center, and The Witte Museum. Estela serves on the board of directors of the local public television station KLRN, and she was recently named as a trustee of the newly formed Catholic Community Foundation of San Antonio.

Whatever organization Jim and Estela work with, in the front of their minds is the passage from the Bible that states that all things come from God. James and Estela Avery live their faith and belief that the more you give, the more you receive.

Mr. Avery is fond of the Episcopalian Hymn #9, “Morning Song.” He does his best to live his life according to the words of the hymn: “To give and give, and give again, what God hath given thee; to spend thyself nor count the cost; to serve right gloriously the God who gave all worlds that are, and all that are to be.”

When asked how he would like to be remembered, Mr. Avery says he hopes people will say “He was somewhat helpful - some of the time!” When asked the same question, Mrs. Avery replies, “That she had a giving spirit.” There is no doubt in the minds of any who have benefited from their generosity that they indeed do have a giving spirit and have been extremely helpful not some of the time – but all of the time.