Giving back is at the heart of many local businesses, and the Austin Chamber’s Austin Gives program shines a spotlight on companies making a difference in the community year-round.
On We Are Austin, Sierra Waggoner spoke with Kyle McFather of Dignity Memorial about the organization’s commitment to serving families and supporting the Central Texas community through volunteerism and charitable outreach.
On We Are Austin, Sierra Waggoner spoke with Kyle McFather of Dignity Memorial about the organization’s commitment to serving families and supporting the Central Texas community through volunteerism and charitable outreach.
While many know Dignity Memorial for helping families during life’s most difficult moments, McFather said the organization is equally committed to serving the community beyond its day-to-day work. “We want to support volunteerism, and Austin Gives gives us an opportunity to do that,” he said. “We want our associates to go out and identify things that they’re passionate about where they can volunteer.”
“I would encourage any business out there to listen to their associates,” McFather said. “They want to be active, they want to be involved in volunteering. Help them find things they’re passionate about. I think that’s going to create a culture where they want to work for you.”
Rather than simply making donations, Dignity Memorial encourages employees to take an active role in causes they care about. McFather explained that associates receive volunteer hours each month to support organizations that matter to them, whether that’s helping local nonprofits, supporting animal rescues, or serving other community needs.
Rather than simply making donations, Dignity Memorial encourages employees to take an active role in causes they care about. McFather explained that associates receive volunteer hours each month to support organizations that matter to them, whether that’s helping local nonprofits, supporting animal rescues, or serving other community needs. Dignity Memorial – Ronald McDonald House Charities
“We’re not just trying to create a culture where we’re giving money,” McFather said. “We want them to be involved… We want to encourage our associates to continue to build those relationships.”
That commitment to service is one of the reasons Dignity Memorial became involved with Austin Gives, an Austin Chamber program that recognizes businesses dedicated to philanthropy, volunteerism, and community engagement.
McFather said the partnership felt like a natural fit because both organizations share similar values. “Our core values are very, very comparable to Austin Gives and the Chamber’s core values,” he said. “We try to find people out there that feel the same way we feel.”
McFather said the partnership felt like a natural fit because both organizations share similar values. “Our core values are very, very comparable to Austin Gives and the Chamber’s core values,” he said. “We try to find people out there that feel the same way we feel.”
Center for Child Protection
He also encouraged other businesses to consider joining the initiative, saying employee engagement can have a lasting impact on workplace culture.
“I would encourage any business out there to listen to their associates,” McFather said. “They want to be active, they want to be involved in volunteering. Help them find things they’re passionate about. I think that’s going to create a culture where they want to work for you.”
The Austin Chamber will celebrate those efforts during the 2026 Austin Gives Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, September 9, recognizing businesses that are leading the way in community service across Central Texas.
Dignity Memorial highlights the power of giving back through Austin Gives – 414b5ddc-4f68-4318-a07c-aab38ead71ac.png
To learn more about Dignity Memorial and its community initiatives visit their website!
To learn more about Dignity Memorial and its community initiatives visit their website!
To learn more about the Austin Gives program and awards luncheon, visit the Austin Chamber website.
To learn more about the Austin Gives program and awards luncheon, visit the Austin Chamber website.