For fifth-generation Texan sisters Averille Dawson, Fallon Vaughn, and Kathryn Cook, the Jane and Bill Browning Family Fund at CFT isn’t just a mechanism for their collaborative charitable giving — it’s a living legacy of their parents’ compassion and commitment to helping others.
When their mother, Jane, was alive, they witnessed her giving back to countless organizations, including many local service clubs and committees. “It was at the top of her list to give back to the community,” recalls Kathryn. Since Jane’s passing, the sisters regularly come together to thoughtfully advise on grants made from the fund in their parents’ name. “Our mom was deeply committed to helping others. She gave quietly, but we saw it, and it’s an honor to continue that,” said Averille.
Recently, CFT shared with the sisters a pressing need that was aligned with one of their funding priorities. Mazie’s Mission, a local nonprofit veterinary clinic that provides lifesaving care to abused and neglected animals, faced an unexpected $120,000 funding gap. Mazie’s Mission has treated over 25,000 animals since it launched a decade ago, and has a client base of over 350 nonprofit rescue organizations and shelters in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
The Browning sisters often grant to smaller, locally focused causes, where they feel funds can go even further to have a greater impact. “We all got on the phone together to discuss, and it immediately struck a chord,” Averille shared. “We grew up knowing the importance of supporting those who don’t have a voice, especially animals in need.”
Within hours of learning about the goals of Mazie’s Mission, the sisters offered to match CFT’s $50,000 grant to the clinic. This decision was more than an instinctive response to a worthy cause they were passionate about; it was another tribute to their mother’s legacy.
In partnering with CFT, Averille, Fallon, and Kathryn have carried forward the Browning family tradition of generosity, a tradition in which their children and grandchildren are beginning to participate. “The way Mom set up this fund was intentional. She had a vision of us working together through CFT,” Averille said. “She wanted us to continue to experience the joy of coming together as a family to give back.” They recalled how their families would volunteer together over the years, supporting holiday toy drives and more.
“It’s gratifying to make a difference in the world, especially right here at home in Texas. It’s so much easier with CFT’s help, to have a partner that helps research, vet, and facilitate our grants. It makes it much more joyous to give, and when you pool your resources, you can give in bigger ways,” said Kathryn. Together, they’re able to support one another’s passions through the fund, from education, including youth golf and flight lessons, to caring for animals and veterans.
The Browning sisters intend for their fund to have a multi-generational impact. “I know when we’re gone, CFT will still be here, mentoring and guiding our children in their giving, just as they’ve done with us,” said Averille.
“Our mom was deeply committed to helping others and wanted us to continue to experience the joy of coming together as a family to give back.”– Averille Dawson, Successor Advisor to the Jane and Bill Browning Family Fund at CFT
This story was originally featured in our 2024 annual report. For additional details and content, click here.