SAN ANTONIO – A gift from a major Texas charity is set to help support one of the largest youth programs in the country.
A major gift from the Joan and Herb Kelleher Charitable Foundation is set to expand Scouting opportunities for youth across South Texas, according to an announcement from Scouting America’s Alamo Area Council.
In a news release Monday, the Alamo Area Council said the donation honors the legacy of Herb Kelleher, the co-founder of Southwest Airlines, and Joan Negley Kelleher, describing both as influential Texas civic and business leaders.
The council said the investment will strengthen its mission “to prepare young people for lives of leadership, character, and service.”
The release said Herb Kelleher “transformed the aviation industry through his visionary leadership and unwavering belief in people,” and credited his “innovative spirit and commitment to empowering employees” with helping build Southwest into “one of the most admired companies in the world.” It also described Joan Negley Kelleher as “a lifelong advocate for family and community,” saying she helped shape the family’s philanthropic priorities.
Established in 1998, the foundation supports youth services, education, human services, historic preservation, and community enrichment across San Antonio and the Hill Country, the release said.
It also noted the foundation has supported cultural and historic initiatives, including “significant support for the Alamo Mission’s preservation.”
The council said the gift will expand access to Scouting experiences for youth across South Texas, with the goal of reaching more families through outdoor adventure, leadership development, and values-based learning.
A quote included in the release attributed to “[Insert Name], [Insert Title], Scouting America, Alamo Area Council” said: “We are honored to receive this extraordinary support from the Joan and Herb Kelleher Charitable Foundation.
Herb and Joan Kelleher built a legacy defined by innovation, compassion, and a genuine love for people. Their foundation’s investment in Scouting ensures that thousands of young people will have the opportunity to grow, lead, and thrive.”
The Alamo Area Council said it is grateful to the Kelleher family and the foundation’s leadership for their commitment to strengthening the next generation of leaders.