This year marks the 20th year of the Rotary Club of Austin University Area’s primary fundraiser “Park with a Heart”, which has raised upwards of $1,000,000 for local charities since it began.
Initiated by club member Dr Fred Hansen, an Austin OB/GYN specialist, club
members collect fees from UT football fans when they park at parking lots
set aside for Rotary during UT football games. According to Dr. Hansen: “Our
club embodies the Rotary credo of Service Above Self. We are dedicated
to supporting the underserved in our Austin community, through local and
international service projects in education, health and human services for
K-12 and the elderly.”
This year marks the 20th year of the Rotary Club of Austin University Area’s primary fundraiser “Park with a Heart”, which has raised upwards of $1,000,000 for local charities since it began.
Initiated by club member Dr Fred Hansen, an Austin OB/GYN specialist, club members collect fees from UT football fans when they park at parking lots set aside for Rotary
during UT football games. According to Dr. Hansen: “Our club embodies the Rotary credo of Service Above Self. We are dedicated to supporting the underserved in our Austin
community, through local and international service projects in education, health and human services for K-12 and the elderly.”
During the 20 years, the parking project has contributed upwards of $1,000,000 for charities such as:
- Reading and Character Building Programs at JJ Pickle Elementary. Pecan Springs Elementary and Harris Elementary
- Books For Me - Every child gets to pick at least 2 free books to keep for themselves
- Early Act First Knight - EAFK is a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) based on Rotary principles that uses
the theme of medieval knights to reward students of high character - Tutoring and Support for Science Fairs and other activities at the schools
- Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) - an intensive one week leadership camp organized by our district
students develop skills as a leader while having fun and making connections.
Other charities we've supported over the years include:
- Bookspring Austin
- Austin Samaritan's Medical Clinic in Nicaragua
- Tuberculosis Clinic in Reynosa, Mexico
- Sammy’s House
- Todos Juntos
- Austin Classical Guitar
- Capital City Kids
- Children’s Advocacy Center Serving Bastrop, Lee, & Fayette Counties
- Canine Companions for Independence South Central Region
- Capital Area Food Bank
- Meals on Wheels
- Austin Community College EMS Training Scholarships
- UT Nursing Scholarships