Funds raised support out-of-school-time youth development programming for more than 7,500 Austin-area kids and teens, and operations for the organization’s Home Club on the Sheth Family Campus opening Spring 2019
AUSTIN, Texas (Nov. 6, 2018) — Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, guests, board members, donors, staff and all community advocates, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area (BGCAA) raised $1.7 million during the Art of Giving Gala, presented by American Constructors, on Friday, Nov. 2 at the JW Marriott Austin. More than 550 people attended the annual event—all for the benefit of celebrating and creating great futures for more than 7,500 Austin-area Club youth.
Led by Master of Ceremonies and Emmy Award-winning weathercaster at KXAN Jim Spencer, the evening was punctuated with the BGCAA inaugural “Partners in Philanthropy Legacy Award” inspired by and presented to William (Bill) Heine of American Constructors and his wife Yolanda. In honor of the couple’s longstanding commitment to BGCAA, the award recognized their outstanding commitment of time, talent and treasure to support the mission and work of Boys & Girls Clubs locally.
Helping to achieve the outstanding $1.7M in funds raised throughout the evening were committed matching donations. Those matching donations included a $500,000 surprise match from Adria & Brian Sheth of the Sheth Sangreal Foundation, namesakes supporting development of the BGCAA Home Club on the Sheth Family Campus. Other match contributions were made by the Gomez family, Gates family, Meyer family, Casey family, Club Blue Austin and the Carl C. Anderson Sr. and Marie Jo Anderson Charitable Foundation.
Designed to be an artfully engaging evening celebrating the many ways in which the art of giving today can impact more great futures tomorrow, Art of Giving Gala provided the occasion for guests to revel in a night filled with artful flourishes, among them: live art demonstrations, a Club youth art showcase and exotic live art statues and more.
“The level of support received during this year’s Art of Giving Gala was both humbling and inspiring,” said BGCAA CEO Misti Potter. “Funds raised will open doors and create life-changing opportunities for thousands of Austin-area youth, ensuring they have the chance to realize their full potential and pursue their dreams. By supporting youth to build their great futures, our entire community will reap the benefits for many years to come.”
In addition to enabling BGCAA to provide quality out-of-school-time programming at 35 Clubs across Greater Austin, the $1.7 million raised at the Gala will make a direct impact in the community, helping to fund operations and expand to meet the needs of more than 1,000 additional kids and teens with the opening of its new Home Club on the Sheth Family Campus. Scheduled to open in spring 2019, the 32,000-square-foot custom designed facility is located on a 10-acre campus that includes sport fields and the new BGCAA administrative offices.
At this particularly important juncture, BGCAA invites the community to help pave the way for Austin-area youth by purchasing a brick paver or tree on the “Path to Great Futures” at the new Home Club on the Sheth Family Campus through the “Path to Great Futures Campaign.” Memorialize your contribution online now at www.bgcaustin.org/home/homeclub/home-club-path-to-great-futures/, or contact Director of Donor Relations Paige Kriegel for more information at paige.kriegel@bgcaustin.org, or 512.444.7199, ext 22.
