Selfless Love Gala

Perhaps you recall John Paul’s role as a Shark on Shark Tank in 2013 … well, last weekend he reprised his role as a guest judge at Dream Tank — Selfless Love Foundation’s pitch competition for young people. The five finalists did so great that everyone went home with an award. In addition, John Paul and Eloise attended the 2022 Gala that helped raise more than $3.6 million for foster youth and their families.

John Paul on Ellen!

To start off her interview, Ellen said to John Paul, "You're one of the most inspirational people that I think I've ever been aware of." WHAT a compliment coming from the legendary talk show host who is ending her show’s epic run this month. John Paul talked about going from living in his car to being an entrepreneur and philanthropist, and why he gives back:

“If you give to somebody else and ask absolutely nothing in return, it’s the greatest high you’ll ever have in your life.”

John Paul also talked about his new show Success of Unusual People! More about that soon!

Thanks so much Ellen for this interview and for years of focusing on kindness and giving back ☮️❤️😀

Meeting House at Patriots' Hall

At the Grand Opening of the Meeting House at Patriots’ Hall of Dripping Springs last week, John Paul reminisced about his time in the Navy on the USS Hornet. He talked about lessons he learned in the military and how people put faith in him as a young seaman in a way that made him believe he was capable. He talked about how important it is to care for those who have served defending our country. We then got to meet other servicemen and women in Central Texas who are helping build the community that will make Patriots’ Hall a place for veterans of all military branches to gather with their families.

The visit also got us excited for the rest of the property. The meeting hall John Paul donated will be home to VFW Post 2933 and other gatherings, but there is a larger meeting hall on the way as well as a wellness clinic and plans for a garden and equine therapy.

We are so glad these vets now have a place to gather and call their own. And thanks so much to all the other supporters and in-kind donors who helped make this space a reality!

John Paul on CBS Austin

It was such a fun day at Mobile Loaves and Fishes yesterday celebrating our almost 10 year relationship and our $5 million commitment to the future phases of Community First! Village. There was a birthday cake for John Paul, storytelling from MLF founder Alan Graham and a visit to the art house. After John Paul told the story of how he was homeless when he was starting Paul Mitchell, one of the staff asked him if he could remember how he felt the first night he slept in his car. “Lonely,” he said. “I was very lonely. And uncomfortable.” He went on to say that he understands how it is to be homeless, but he always tries to see the good as well. “When you’re that low, there’s nowhere you can look but up.” We are looking up and forward to seeing future residents find their way home and their way out of homelessness.

CBS Austin was there to capture the day, and you can watch it now!

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You get an Entrepreneur Hub! You get an Entrepreneur Hub!

To celebrate our announcement today that we will be sponsoring the next two Entrepreneur Hubs on Phases III and IV of Mobile Loaves & Fishes' Community First! Village, you can get 20% OFF your purchase with special code PLH20 at their online store now! Resident-made art and Goodness Gear all helps support the mission of getting more people out of homelessness and into community. So far, the first Hub has allowed artisan residents to earn almost $200,000 in dignified income. We are so excited to see the creativity of future resident artists and entrepreneurs!

Also, John Paul let us know his first entrepreneurial venture was selling Christmas cards as a kid. We think he was probably pretty good at that ;)

*Offer expires 4/30/22 at 11/59 pm CT

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TOOF Gala

We love it when our partners come together to amplify impact! Kathryn Chandler of Patriots’ Hall of Dripping Springs and Courtney Santana of Survive2Thrive (and Antoni from Queer Eye!) were at the recent The Other Ones Foundation Gala with the idea that the future can be different for people experiencing homelessness in Austin. We believe every individual and organization we partner with are part of a greater whole of people working together to envision a different future — better services and support for people in need, be they veterans or women or people struggling with homelessness.

We are also here to tell you that pastel suits must be in this season if Antoni and Eloise agree 😎. Thanks to TOOF for a great night and for their work!

Join the #VibeShift

John Paul spoke at #SXSW2022 with his partner Dr. Deborah Brosnan about the new global trend emerging in how we conserve and manage our oceans. From coral reefs to the blue economy - technologists, investors, scientists, and communities are starting to do things differently and together. John Paul has personally invested in rebuilding coral reefs and protecting aquatic life so that the oceans can thrive. We need the oceans and the oceans need our help — we are in a global #VibeShift for our oceans. We've thought enough, we've talked enough - now, we must do enough. Follow @Vibeshift4oceans and get involved!