By Holly Jackson

Contibuting Writer

More than 300 devotees of diverse faiths and backgrounds attended the Austin Area Interreligious Ministries’ recent annual Hope Awards benefit. The celebration of putting “Hope into Action” was held at the University of Texas Alumni Center.

Awards were given to three couples who have embodied AAIM’s mission of building bridges between people of all faiths, particularly to assist the vulnerable and voiceless in Austin and around the world. The honorees were Pat and Bob Ayres, Jennifer and Ashton Cumberbatch and Westbankers Donna and Philip Berber of A Glimmer of Hope Foundation.

Supporters bid on a multitude of silent auction items, including a vacation to Aspen, a house concert by Darden Smith and jewelry by Kendra Scott. Catering by Rosemary served a delicious dinner entrée of parmesan chicken with marsala mushroom sauce and 1,001-chocolate-chip cake for dessert.

The evening’s highlight was a question-and-answer conversation between Texas Tribune CEO Evan Smith and award-winning reporter and news anchor Dan Rather.

Rather spoke about growing up as a Baptist in Houston and being inspired by his grandmothers and mother.

“If you have faith, you are never alone,” Rather said.

He also reminisced about his life-long passion for journalism.

The event generated approximately $140,000.

“This event was the biggest, most successful fundraiser in our history,” CEO Tom Spencer said. “We owe the deepest gratitude to the hardworking volunteers who helped pull it together. Attendees appreciate that many senior citizens in Austin will live more comfortably this summer as a result of tonight’s efforts.”

Beginning in 1941, AAIM is now the most comprehensive interreligious organization in Central Texas, representing congregations from 30 distinct faith traditions that include Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Muslim and Jewish. Programs include mentoring for juvenile offenders, Hands on Housing repairs and refugee resettlement.

For further information, visit www.aaimaustin.org.