In 2008, the Austin Interfaith Arts and Music Festival began honoring Central Texans who have distinguished themselves as role models in interfaith and multi-cultural outreach and service. Previuous recipients are:

2008 - Alan Graham and Mobile Loaves & Fishes of Austin
2010 - Tom Spencer, CEO of Interfaith Action of Central Texas

In 2004, Reverend Gregory McDonell, Pastor of Central Presbyterian Church, had a vision to create a festival where people of all faith traditions and nationalities could encounter the transforming beauty of spiritually inspired art and music. His hope was that such encounters would help bridge everything that divides our various communities and encourage the discovery and celebration of our commonalities. He reached out to Tom Escandell, an Elder in his congregation, and together with the support of Austin's downtown churches and countless volunteers, they launched The Austin Interfaith Arts and Music Festival. Since then, hundreds of visual artists, musicians and dancers have graced our venues and shared their unique and beautiful creations with the Central Texas Community.

Throughout the centuries, artists and musicians have often been at the forefront of movements to seek shared beliefs and universal principles among various cultures. Recognizing that interfaith outreach is imperative in today's changing religious landscape, Reverend McDonell created an event that not only carries on that tradition, but enhances the possibilities of true understanding by focusing on art and music that is truly inspired by the Creator and therefore uplifting to society. In the face of so many challenges in this world, the festival offers a unique and welcoming environment conducive to helping people overcome fear and intolerance with understanding, acceptance, and love.

Reverend McDonell is past president of Austin Area Interreligious Ministries (now IACT - Interfaith Action of Central Texas) and founder and facilitator of the Spirituality Book Club, which has been meeting since 2002. Recently, he was nominated for the prestigious international CoExist Prize, which will be awarded to an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to building bridges between people of different faiths. We extend heartfelt congratulations to our Co-Founder and Chair Emeritus, as we acknowledge these two very important affirmations of his exceptional ministry in Austin, and present him with the 2011 Tom Escandell Interfaith Service Award.

So, who was Thomas E. Escandell, Jr.?    He was a unique and original human being. After achieving his BS Degree in Physics/Math from Louisiana State University at New Orleans, Tom leapt into the world of business as an Instructional Designer, Web Developer/Designer, Multimedia and Video Producer, Art Instructor, Sales and Marketing Negotiator, and successful entrepreneur in his own business, TomKat Productions.

Tom was a deeply spiritual person, focused more on the Divine Itself than the “institutions” that taught about the Divine. His faith had, for the most part, an ecumenical flavor, encompassing the Whole rather than sectarian parts. He felt his first sense of spiritual calling after attending a special class on “Christian Caring” at St. Thomas Presbyterian. This proved a huge commitment for him, but he pursued his studies vigorously and with great satisfaction. In addition, Tom also felt a calling to Liturgical Drama and wrote/staged a number of plays and skits at St. Thomas.

Upon moving to Austin, Tom found his third great spiritual influence with Greg McDonell, pastor at Central Presbyterian. Called to become an Elder at Central, he embraced that role to its fullest. This involved him in the original Austin Interfaith Art and Music Festival. As he said of that work, “[It was] a labor of joy which has truly filled my life. When I first saw a flier on the Lay Leadership Institute, I knew that it was something that I needed to do. I was right. Our studies and work over the past year have brought me closer to my God.” He received another strong calling to go one step further and pursue training as a Lay Pastor. Tom believed that this training would strengthen his foundation in Presbyterianism and would benefit his ministry in the Austin Interfaith Art and Music Festival, as well as adding depth and meaning to his liturgical drama ministry.

Tom ministered to all in the fullest sense of the word. His faith was deep, strong, and exemplary. “There is more to our existence than our mere mortality. There is a path that God has set for us. He wants us to follow, but He allows us to choose for ourselves. He is always with us to lead us and guide us. We may stray from the path, but he is always there to nudge us lovingly back in to place. I believe that we are all children of God.”

We dedicate the Tom Escandell Interfaith Award to his honor and memory, in hope that we, too, can achieve boundless faith and unconditional love for all, regardless of the distinctions and differences that divide humanity!