It’s been two months since the devastating Memorial Day floods swept through Central Texas—including Hays, Blanco, Bastrop, Caldwell, Travis and Williamson counties—and the outpouring of help from local community members has been nothing short of incredible. According to an Austin American-Statesman article released last week, more than 400 homes were destroyed in Central Texas and 3,491 residents have registered for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance. Many local efforts were organized immediately the Tuesday morning following the floods. Volunteer groups appeared ready with cleaning supplies, and individuals and companies were knocking at UWATX’s door with open checkbooks. In addition to the Disaster Recovery Fund we created, UWATX was the recipient of several benefits held around town to raise funds for flood victims, including ones held by Jonathan Adler Austin, ACL Live, the Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals Association and Indian Roller. To date, local community members and businesses have contributed an incredible $85,500 and counting to our flood relief and recovery efforts! This week, those funds will be distributed to 10 local organizations to support long-term recovery (LTR) efforts. By focusing on LTR, we will ensure these donated dollars help the people who need it most and that the funds are used most effectively. These local organizations include: 1. Austin Disaster Relief Network: Rebuilding efforts 2. Bastrop Long Term Recovery: Rebuilding efforts 3. Blanco Regional River Recovery Group: Case management for flood victims 4. Catholic Charities: Temporary housing for flood victims 5. Community Action (Hays County Head Start): Storage rentals […]
Read More7 Ways to Spend Memorial Day in Austin
Happy Memorial Day! Whether you are taking a mini-vacation or just excited to lounge around the house for an extra day, we’ve compiled a wide array of Memorial Day events taking place around Austin for you to check out. 1. Head north to Round Rock to spend Memorial Day the American way–watching baseball of course! The AAA Round Rock Express will face the El Paso Chihuahuas at 7 p.m. on Monday. The highest price you’ll pay for a GA ticket is $15, and you can even grab lawn seats for only $7 each. 2. Give back while enjoying jazz music at the Austin Jazz Festival on May 24th at Austin 360 Amphitheater at the Circuit of the Americas. This is an all day event beginning at 10 a.m. Local, regional and national acts will play and the event benefits the East Austin Music Academy, an afterschool program focused on intensive music instruction for school-age children. 3. “Carry the Load” on May 24th at the Austin Memorial March. This is a 20.15 mile walk at Reveille Peak Ranch in Burnet, TX, and provides an opportunity to share in remembrance of those who gave their lives in service to our country. Registration is free. 4. Spend the day at Lake Travis. Bring a picnic or rent a house with family and friends and enjoy one of Austin’s most beautiful areas. Remember, personal motorized watercrafts are banned this weekend. 5. There are many great concerts taking place this weekend. On Satuday, catch Purity […]
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