Gillespie County Children's Foundation

Mission Statement

Gillespie County Children’s Foundation aims to provide enriching opportunities for children and families to enjoy together. With our premier project, Main Street Mockingbirds, we hope to provide a unique, timeless, learning activity that showcases the art and history of our town and meets the growing desire for family friendly and cost-effective options in Fredericksburg.

Founder and writer, Amy Beicker with her family from left to right: Bowen, Brooke, Bliss and her husband Clint.

Amy Schwede Beicker

author and founder

Amy lives in Fredericksburg with her husband, Clint, and is the proud mom of three kids. Although always an eager learner, it was not until exploring the world through her children’s eyes that her delight in the hidden treasures around her really took off. She hopes this project not only brings history to life, but gets families outside to explore the world together, creating memories that make Fredericksburg’s story their own.  She is grateful for this opportunity to pursue a dream and for all the talented people who made it possible. She dedicates this work to Mom and Dad who taught her that history and faith matter; to Bliss, Bowen, and Brooke who opened her eyes to the joy of the present; and to Clint, who encouraged her every step of the way. 

Diana Godwin Schwede

illustrator

Diana has raised three daughters with her husband, Gary. They now have nine grandchildren. She loves design, British history and literature. She is fiercely committed to using her talents to create adventures for her family, be it by creating a family-friendly hill country retreat in Mason, transforming the family homestead into a beautiful B&B, or illustrating her daughter’s first book. Diana’s hope is that her illustrations bring life and color to Amy’s story; motivating children of all ages to explore the history that surrounds them.   She feels blessed beyond measure having this unique opportunity to partner with Amy on this project.

John Bennett

sculptor

John has lived in Fredericksburg since 2006 with his wife Cathy.  He has been sculpting since 1976 and was designated Texas State Artist by the 81st Texas Legislature in 2010. Commissions include bronze sculptures for the Perry and Ruby Stephens Charitable Foundation in Kerrville and life-size bronzes of Annie Oakley and Alice Reeves (former schoolteacher and granddaughter of a slave) for the Leesburg Public Library in Leesburg, Florida.  Purchasers include the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame in Ft. Worth and the Women’s Museum in Dallas.  His work was displayed at the White House in 1999 as part of the federal ‘Save America’s Treasures’ project.  John works from his studio in Fredericksburg and is represented by Gallery 330 on Main Street.

View available works online at Gallery 330 or visit John’s website at JohnBennett.net