The Tom Escandell Interfaith Service Award
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. On Friday, October 17, 2008 during the Interfaith Concert, the first annual Tom Escandell Interfaith Service Award, named for our founding director (who passed away unexpectedly in May 2006) was awarded to Alan Graham and Mobile Loaves & Fishes of Austin. What began as a catholic parish-driven effort has blossomed under Alan's exceptional servant-leadership to become a multi-state. multi-faith non-profit that is truly making an impact on the streets. On any given day, people of all faiths prepare food for the poor and homeless, side by side in loving communion. We salute Alan and Mobile Loaves and Fishes for their service to humanity here in Austin and elsewhere.
Alan Graham, Beth Nielsen Chapman, and Greg McDonell
To nominate a local recipient for the Interfaith Award for 2010, print and mail your nomination form to our office: Central Presbyterian Church, ATTN: Interfaith Award Nominations, 200 East 8th Street, Austin, TX 78701 by September 25, 2010.
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!
