Interfaith Action of Central Texas (iACT) celebrated its annual fall fundraising gathering, A Night Under One Sky, at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, bringing together community leaders, supporters, and advocates across faiths and cultures. Rooted in the belief that every life is precious and no one should have to walk a difficult road alone, the evening celebrated iACT’s mission to cultivate peace, respect, and understanding through interfaith dialogue, service, and community connection.
The program highlighted iACT’s impact across Central Texas, including supporting more than 2,000 refugees annually, restoring homes for older adults through Hands on Housing, and providing adult English and youth readiness programs. Guests heard from Executive Director Simone Talma Flowers, Huston-Tillotson University President Dr. Melva K. Wallace on “The Gift of Legacy,” and former refugee Tahaguas Abraha, who recently graduated from UT Austin with a nursing degree. The evening also celebrated iACT’s newly announced endowment, with former Indeed CEO Chris Hyams leading a “Paddles Up” appeal to support the organization’s lasting impact.
Blending purpose with celebration, the gathering featured live music by the Dave Madden Band, a Lion Dance, Ballet Folklorico, and dinner among the botanical grounds of the Wildflower Center. More than an annual fundraiser, A Night Under One Sky was a powerful reminder that when communities come together across differences, compassion grows, bridges are built, and hope becomes action.
Photo credit: Tomas Segura
