Austin Bank names community involvement awards

FREIDA SCULLY

Two Jacksonville residents, Freida Scully and Harry G. Tilley were among those receiving the Austin Bank 2007 community involvement award. They were among the four persons recognized for community work Feb. 12 at a board meeting in Jacksonville. Others honored were Michelle Cox of Whitehouse and Lisa McCoy of Tyler.

Austin Bank annually recognizes its employees and officers for their volunteer service to civic and non-profit organizations within East Texas by giving community involvement awards. The recipients each receive $500 and another $500 was donated to an organization they serve.

Freida Scully, the bank's treasury management officer, was recognized for her work with the Jacksonville Literacy Council which serves all of Cherokee County. The Jacksonville Literacy Council provides classes in basic literacy skills, English as a Second Language, Financial Management, GED preparation, and citizenship, as well as other educational services requested by individuals or companies.

Ms. Scully serves on the council's board of directors and participates in the organization's fund raising efforts which includes the annual Corporate Spelling Bee. She helped organize and start an ESL class at her church for Hispanics within the community. During her four years of work with the council, she recommended a financial accounting change that helped increase the council's operating funds. She also collected Spanish language booklets on credit and budgeting for the Literacy Council's classes. She has been with Austin Bank since August 2003. Prior to that, she was an account relationship manager for Aurum Technology in Plano.

HARRY TILLEY

Mr. Tilley, an Austin Bank advisory director, was honored for his volunteer work with HOPE in Jacksonville. HOPE (Helping Others Pursue Enrichment) is an organization that provides emergency assistance to the indigent and gives them tools that promote self-sufficiency. The organization offers referral services, provides assistance with completing disability applications and getting prescriptions, operates a soup kitchen and food pantry, and provides coats for school children.

Mr. Tilley, retired Cherokee County judge and businessman, has been a HOPE volunteer for five years. He currently serves as a HOPE Director and is treasurer and president-elect. Tilley initially volunteered by inputting data in the prescription assistance program, then went on to help upgrade computers, wire the building for networking and set up networking equipment. He also assists with HOPE's "Brown Bag" program that provides food for the elderly who are waiting for food stamp assistance and is a van driver who takes clients to medical appointments, the bank, grocery store or pharmacy.

He is also an Elder Emeritus with the First Christian Church and been involved with the ETCOG, Jacksonville Housing Authority, Rusk Main Street, Lions Club and the Texas A&M Club.

In addition to the community involvement awards, Austin Bank contributed more than $324,500 in monetary and inkind sponsorships to numerous civic and non-profit organizations in 2007.