Board Member Spotlight

Owen Thompson

When you think about your childhood, what makes you smile?   

The best and most abundant memories I have of my childhood involve playing outside, and being outside still makes me smile.  I was so fortunate to have lots of siblings close in age, as well as lots of friends in the neighborhood growing up, and there wasn’t a day that went by that some or all of us couldn’t be found in a front yard or empty lot somewhere playing tackle football, sandlot baseball, or whatever game the majority decided to play.  My mom would literally ring a big dinner bell that could be heard on the other end of the neighborhood when it was time to eat, but in the summer time in particular, we’d be right back out there after supper to play until the sun went down.  I’m thankful that kids still can and do play that way in our community.

You have shared your time and talents with several causes important to you.  What inspires you to give back to your community through volunteer Board service?  

It’s tough to pinpoint the specific motivation, but I’m a firm believer that to whom much is given, much is to be expected.  I’ve been fortunate to have grown up in, returned to, and raised my own family in this incredible community.  I’m thankful for that gift.  And it wouldn’t be “home” if not for all the people for generations who have committed their resources to making it so.  It seems appropriate to offer what I can to continue that community legacy.  A nod to my parents as well, who set a great example for me in the way they have always supported causes important to them and continue to.  

What do you want more people to know about charitable giving through the Foundation?  

I’d like more people to know how the good of charitable giving can be leveraged so effectively through the Foundation.  For those who are able and so inclined, giving through the Foundation means funding not only the causes important to you, but also those important to the community.  Administrative fees largely contribute to funding projects and initiatives throughout SWLA, as opposed to a corporation’s bottom line.  I think of it as a “giving bonus”.   

The Just Imagine SWLA plan has 11 catalytic projects.  Which ones make you most excited for the future of SWLA? 

With so many, this is tough to answer, and I think that’s a good thing.  I’d have to say that Bayou Greenbelt and the Waterfront Development are the most exciting for me.  The lakes and bayous in our area are a big part of what define our community.  They’re naturally beautiful, and they’re attractive to residents and visitors alike.  The thought of being able to highlight and enjoy them more is really exciting, and it’s encouraging to know that with the efforts of many, coordinated and facilitated by the Community Foundation, these things, and all of the catalytic projects, are becoming realities.