SVPSA Founder Helmle receives Governor’s Lifetime Volunteer Achievement Award

Harriet Helmle Texas Volunteer Award

Harriet Marmon Helmle, a founding partner and first Executive Director of Social Venture Partners San Antonio, was recently recognized for her lifetime of exemplary service at the 39th annual Governor’s Volunteer Awards. Helmle is a financial advisor of new client relationships for CAPTRUST, financial advisory firm in San Antonio.

Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott announced Helmle’s award for the Governor’s Lifetime Volunteer Achievement Award on Feb. 2 at the Texas Governor’s Mansion.

“I cannot possibly think of anyone in San Antonio more deserving of this recognition than Harriet Helmle,” said Becky Dinnin, SVPSA Executive Director. “She lives, and works every day in countless nonprofits to build a stronger community; and has done that for decades.”

The award honored Helmle for her enduring dedication to improving education, helping the homeless and disabled, improving medical care for all, and giving girls and women the tools needed to succeed, along with raising tens of millions of dollars for San Antonio area nonprofits.

Helmle’s service to San Antonio is legendary, with more than 40 years of creating and growing nonprofits supporting local youth.

Some of her most notable achievements include founding San Antonio Youth Literacy in 1984, which provides one-on-one reading assistance to elementary children. In addition to founding SVPSA, she was also instrumental in establishing Communities in Schools, Girls Inc., and the San Antonio Education Partnership here. 

She has also served on numerous nonprofit boards and committees, including United Way, Haven for Hope, Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas, Children’s Shelter of San Antonio, San Antonio Area Foundation and the list goes on and on.

The Governor’s Volunteer Awards recognizes 14 individuals, groups and organizations that have made a significant and measurable contribution to Texas communities through service and volunteering.

The awards were presented in conjunction with OneStar Foundation, an Austin-based nonprofit focused on strengthening Texas communities by creating pathways for individuals and organizations to engage, connect and accelerate their impact. A reception for all the honorees will be held in April during National Volunteer Week.

-SVP-