Sang McDonnell has a photographer’s eye, and we weren’t surprised that acuity and creativity appeared in her answers to our questions when we caught up with this busy mom!
Sang, How did you hear about Impact Austin and why did you decide to join?
“I was introduced to Impact Austin by Melissa Gray. I babysat her children for years, and I got to witness meetings and “sticky dot” votes taking place in the living room of her home, back in the early years of Impact Austin! I always knew that I would join Impact Austin someday, but there was always a reason to not commit the time, whether it was school or raising my kids.”
“With encouragement from Melissa and reassurance that it didn’t have to be that huge a time commitment, I finally joined Impact Austin in 2013, the 10th birthday of this wonderful organization!”
What work have you done at Impact Austin?
“I am now in my third year as a member of Impact Austin. During my second year, I was a member of the Family Focus Area Committee (FAC). It was such a wonderful experience to be able to sit in a room full of intelligent women and listen to everyone’s views on all the wonderful non-profits in our community. I was not an FAC member this year because I was busy having a baby, but I plan on participating on another Focus Area Committee again soon!
You mentioned you were a photographer. Tell us more about that.
“I am a wife and stay-at-home-mom of three beautiful children. I also dabble in portrait and family photography. My goal is to build and expand a photography business after my children are a little older!”
We wish you best of luck! What other nonprofits are you affiliated with and how?
“Due to some scary experiences I’ve had with my children’s health, I have a passion for our wonderful local Dell Children’s Hospital. I have been a member of the Dell Children’s Council and helped to raise funds for the hospital.”
“Currently, I am a member of the Dell Children’s Trust, and I also served on the grants committee. This organization functions very similarly to the way that Impact Austin does, which is wonderful! In addition, my husband and I are getting more involved with Mobile Loaves and Fishes.”
“My husband and I also enjoy participating in events that benefit a good cause (Dell Children’s Gala, Bandana Ball for Ronald McDonald House Charities, volunteering our time for Coats for Kids, etc.)”
Tell us a little about your family.
“I have a wonderful husband named Mark, who I met when I was 12 years old in 7th grade! We have been married for over 7 years now, and we have three beautiful children. Benjamin is our oldest, 4 ½ years old, and our only boy. Katherine is our middle child and almost 3 years old. Charlotte is our youngest at 8 months old. We also have a sweet Golden Retriever named Cody.
What is the most important thing you have learned by being an Impact Austin member and what is your favorite thing you have done with the organization
“Impact Austin has showed me how much impact one organization can have on an entire community. Impact Austin’s method of giving is such a simple idea that yields such an amazing impact on our community.”
“I loved my experience being on a Focus Area Committee. I truly learned so much about so many nonprofits in our community, some I had never even heard of before! Impact Austin is such a great platform to get the community in touch with so many needy causes.”
What would our readers be surprised to learn about you?
“I am borderline obsessive about two TV shows: “FRIENDS” and “I Love Lucy.” I have seen every episode, I own every episode, and I love watching the reruns. I remember watching and loving “I Love Lucy”, even as a kid! Most people turn on some music when they clean their houses. I always have one of those shows playing in the background when I’m vacuuming, washing dishes, folding laundry, etc. Kids have security blankets and loveys. I have “FRIENDS” and “I Love Lucy!”
