Austin woman honored for decades of kindness and service

Austin, TX — For 39 years, Gabriela Olivares has been showing up for others, in her classroom, her church, and her community.

Now, her friends are returning the favor with a Cash for Kindness surprise. Nominated by her friend Patricia González-Villaseñor, Gabriela is known as the person who always puts others first. She’s the one organizing birthday get-togethers, checking in after a loss, and driving hours to support a friend, all without expecting anything in return. In her nomination letter, Patricia wrote in part, “Gabriela is a great friend and human. There are not enough words to describe how incredibly kind and selfless she is. She is the kind of friend everyone wishes they had, always thinking of others, always showing up without expecting anything in return.”

She added, “Her generosity knows no limits, and she lead with such humility that it’s easy to overlook just how much effort and love she puts into everything she does. She makes this world brighter simply by being in it, and everyone who knows her is lucky to call her a friend. She is a beautiful soul and a great individual.”

Her kindness extends beyond her circle of friends. Gabriela recently planned a recognition dinner for nearly 100 church volunteers, coordinating, decorating, and even funding the event herself.

After decades of giving, her friends decided it was her turn to be celebrated. During a birthday celebration at El Mercado Restaurant on Burnet Road, CBS Austin’s Allison Miller surprised Gabriela with $500 from Air & Plumbing Today, to thank her for the countless ways she’s made life brighter for others.

“I just love helping people, that’s what makes me happy,” Gabriela said.

Through Cash for Kindness, CBS Austin honors Central Texans who go above and beyond to make a difference.

If you know someone trying to make our world a little brighter in our Central Texas community, you can nominate them for our Cash For Kindness spotlight. Each winner will receive a $500 Amex Gift Card provided by Air & Plumbing Today and will be featured in an upcoming ‘Cash For Kindness’ segment. Click HERE for the form.

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