John Paul joined Maria Bartiromo on her Fox Business morning show Mornings with Maria to discuss his new venture — Bandero Tequila — AND the foundation got a shout out!
Happiness Hall of Fame
We are pleased to announce that John Paul was inducted into the Happiness Hall of Fame last week — it’s an organization that recognizes special people that have advanced the cause of happiness throughout the world. The Hall was founded to celebrate and encourage incredible people and organizations that make other people happy.
This probably comes as no surprise to anyone who has met John Paul — this is the perfect award for him! As someone who started the Peace, Love & Happiness Foundation and works to spread this to others, John Paul was thrilled to be included among fellow inductees include Muhammad Ali, Deepak Chopra, Steph Curry, Serena Williams, Derek Jeter, Tony Robbins, Taylor Swift, Dolly Parton, Greg Allman, Tom Petty, Robert Plant; Mother Teresa’s Missionaries Of Charity, Make-A-Wish and The Ronald Mc Donald House.
Together for the Oceans
John Paul has been friends with Captain Paul Watson for more than 30 years. In that time, John Paul has personally boarded ships to stop the practice of whaling, funded missions to save the vaquita in the Sea of Cortez and is now entering a new phase of his commitment to the oceans with Captain Paul Watson Foundation. The MV John Paul DeJoria, the newest ship in Neptune’s Navy, entered New York Harbor last week and anchored beside the Statue of Liberty. John Paul, Eloise and Constance, three foundation director, was on hand to celebrate with the crew and christen the newly outfitted ship with a bottle of Bandero Tequila.
John Paul’s longtime partner Angus Mitchell and other folks from John Paul Mitchell Systems were there as well to show their commitment to supporting Neptunes Navy and helping to stop the extinction of marine life.
News 12 was on hand to film the event, so be sure to check out their video.
The crew of the John Paul DeJoria is now on its way to help save fin whales from being hunted and killed through Operation Paiakan. Commercial whaling is a violation of the International Whaling Commission’s global moratorium on commercial whaling. If the ocean dies, we all die. If you want to learn more about joining Neptune’s Navy or supporting them, please check out their website!
Welcome Home: TOOF!
On May 12, we gathered at The Other Ones Foundation to celebrate the opening of Peace, Love & Happiness Village — 50 cabins for unhoused folks looking to stabilize and live in community.
When we first visited, the location was just inhospitable asphalt. People camping there had died from heat and cold exposure. The TOOF folks showed up and began providing services and listening to residents about what they needed and wanted. John Paul was one of the first donors to stand up and commit to a whole village - a place to with a roof over their head a door that would lock to help them feel safe.
Being there, seeing each home full, porches full of plants or with a dog out front, really made our hearts sing. John Paul and Eloise served lunch, there was an old school ice cream truck and a great band. The ribbon cutting was symbolic, because people were already living there. The community was open. People had even moved out or were on their way out to permanent housing, which we love to see. Meeting folks where they are is such an important part of seeing them succeed, and we are so proud of the TOOF team and the Esperanza residents.
Here’s some local news coverage:
Congratulations Class of 2023!
You can watch John Paul’s address to the 2023 Class of the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin at the link here or by clicking the image below!
A Night for Patriot's Hall
It was such a great night in Dripping Springs, Texas when we all gathered at a ranch to raise support for and celebrate veterans. Matthew McConaughey was there (!) sharing about his life and films. Ret. U.S. Army Chad Fleming shared his hilarious and touching story of being the first veteran amputee who returned to combat. His determination to help create and build community for veterans is shaped by personal loss and the all-too-common reality that veterans return to a lack of opportunity. Patriot’s Hall will be a home, an opportunity, for veterans, and we are so glad we got to be a part of this great night!
Meet our Cutest Partner
We got to visit the folks at Austin Wildlife Rescue this week and, while we love all our partners, we have to say, these are the cutest :) Their dedicated team rehabilitates 9000 animals a year - many of which need to be fed around the clock 🙃. From birds to reptiles to baby foxes to birds of prey, we met so many animals who had been brought in by concerned Central Texans.
Things you can Do to Help!
If you encounter a sick, injured or orphaned animal, they have an intake center off MLK.
With all these rehabilitated animals, they need land to set them free! You can let them know if you are able to be a wild release site.
They are also always accepting funds to help rescue, house & feed these precious 🦨🦉🪿🐢🐍.
Oh, they also take old 👖 for the 🐿️ ! ❤️
You get a Van! You get a Van!
We recently purchased vans for two East Austin nonprofits working with the unhoused. Hungry Hill Foundation uses their van to get clients to job sites, helping them move through their level one to level three workforce development program. We Can Now uses their van for weekly community meals and their programs that help divert unhoused folks into homes.
Both of these organization’s founders, Chase Wright and Antony Jackson, lead from lived expertise being from the communities they serve. Each organization has a slightly different focus, but both are achieving great things for people struggling with homelessness with the ultimate goal of health, housing and wholeness for the neighbors they serve.
Spring 2023 Roundup!
We love spring event season! It’s been so fun to be out and about at events that are connected to mission and purpose in Austin. From raising funds for children’s health to art to an established district honoring the history of Mexicans and Tejanos to business in Texas, we love our city!
Mack Jack & McConaughey Gala
BLANTON GALA
MEXIC ARTE CINCO DE MAYO LUNCHEON
Outstanding First Responders Award
Today, John Paul and his friend and fellow co-founder of the Peace, Love & Happiness Charity Ride, Gary Spellman, received Outstanding First Responders Awards from 100 Club of Central Texas. Every year on John Paul’s birthday, their PLH ride raises funds for fallen firefighters, law enforcement officers and has for more than 20 years. 100 Club, an organization that provides immediate financial and emotional support to first responders and their families, especially after a line of duty tragedy, has been the perfect partner for many of those years.
John Paul and Gary are so proud and honored to receive this award from some of their heroes. They are committed to continuing to support law enforcement and thank them for their continued service.
