Austin County Cares

AAuussttiinn C Coouunnttyy Cares

Austin County is packed with caring communities that work together to protect people, plants and pets.

From the smallest residents who squeal at a newly installed playground to vulnerable pets to the historical places that pine for protection, generous residents bridge funding gaps with a network of nonprofits.

To do this, committed volunteers dedicate their time to keep programs going. Area foundations fundraise so each can donate to a host of causes. Austin County businesses also support area nonprofits with sponsorships, each working to make Austin County the place it is.

BLUEBONNET MASTER GARDENER ASSOCIATION

For those dreaming of productive vegetable beds or beautiful yards, the Bluebonnet Master Gardener Association is a fountain of free information. Part of the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension, the Bluebonnet Chapter of Texas Master Gardeners serves the four-county area of Austin, Colorado, Fayette and Washington Counties with outreach that includes school programs and community garden management and for those with green thumbs, Lunch ’N Learn programs connect fellow plant people and information.

The association shares research-based horticulture information with topics such as soil, water conservation, composting, entomology, plant pathology and related subjects. To do this, the association has 100 trained certified Master Gardeners across the four-county region who share their knowledge, training and passion for gardening with their communities. The training is an intensive 14-week course with both classroom instruction and field trips.

COMMUNITY GARDENS IN THE AREA

Part of the association’s outreach is managing community and demonstration gardens. Volunteers roll up their sleeves and grab a hoe to inspire and educate the public.

One of the gardens they tend is the 1823 Garden located at the San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site. “The purpose of this garden is to help the interpreters at the museum when they talk about what a Texan’s life was like in the early settlements, what the gardens looked like, and what they grew.

The Master Gardens working on this project have done work with finding what varieties were grown during this time,” said Stacie M. Villarreal, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service County Extension Agent The group also manages a demonstration garden. It uses various techniques for growing vegetables in all seasons. Located at the Sens Activity Center at 200 Briar Ridge Dr, Bellville, the produce from the garden is either sold at the local Bellville Farmers’ Markets or donated.

To learn more about the Texas Master Gardener Association in the area, visit its website at TXMG.org/bluebonnet.

THE BLUEBONNET SOCIETY OF AUSTIN COUNTY

Founded in 1983, a group of 30 women wanted to support local charities as they celebrated their friendship.

For over 40 years, The Bluebonnet Society has raised 2.8 million dollars and distributed the money to nonprofits across the county.

Each year, its membership votes on the Austin County nonprofits it will support by donation. Its philanthropic contributions include nonprofits for children and students, animal shelters, area volunteer fire departments, food pantries and museums.

“The Bluebonnet Society is thrilled to continue its mission of supporting local organizations, donating $190,000 last year and looking forward to supporting 40 Austin County charities this year. This ongoing commitment showcases the Bluebonnet Society’s dedication to uplifting the community,” according to the society.

The society hosts the annual blacktie Bluebonnet Ball as its only fundraiser. The 42nd Annual Bluebonnet Ball will be on April 26 from 6:30 p.m. to midnight at the Austin County Expo Center in Bellville. This year’s theme is Disco Soiree.

For more information about The Bluebonnet Society, visit its website BluebonnetSociety.org.

AUSTIN COUNTY CRUISERS

A small group of die-hard car guys in and around Bellville share a passion for the mixture of the mechanics and art that creates automobiles, both old and new. The Austin County Cruisers preserve and restore classic vehicles to participate in car shows, parades and day trips while contributing to the community.

According to member Jerry Olson, each spring, the Austin County Cruisers host an annual car show drawing nearly 400 entries. The 21st Annual Classic Car Stampede is set for Saturday, March 8, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Bellville Historic Downtown Square. Admission is free for participants and the public for this rain-or-shine event.

The majority of funds raised from the car show go toward charitable contributions to area nonprofits or scholarships for students. For more information

visit its website, AustinCountyCruisers. com.

SEALY EASTSIDE FOUNDATION

The Sealy Eastside Foundation’s mission statement, “community is our foundation,” guides its nonprofit work. It contributes to Creative Care Children’s School and area daycares.

In addition to funding Sealy area nonprofits, the foundation operates the Sealy Eastside Foundation Community Center. To raise funds, it will be hosting a Fish Fry Fundraiser every Friday through April 18 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the American Legion Post 442 in Sealy.

In addition to the Fish Fry, it hosts a Fall Festival for the community and collects school supplies. To learn more about the Sealy Eastside Foundation, check out its website SealyEastSide-Foundation.org.

AUSTIN COUNTY PETS IN NEED

Pets can be valued family members while those less fortunate find themselves on the street or needing to be rehomed. This is where Austin County nonprofits bridge funding gaps to help Since 2003, PUPS, or Prevent Unwanted Pets, has assisted with spay or neuter services for pets and feral cats. To date, it has helped 20,000 cats and dogs in the nine counties west of Houston, Texas.

with pet populations and assist in adoptions.

PUPS: PREVENT UNWANTED PETS OF CAT SPRING

PUPS dedicates its efforts to keeping the population in check with the trapping, neutering and release (TNR) of feral cats. It also assists with spay and neuter costs for residents who can’t afford the entire bill.

To donate or get more information on its outreach, visit its website, PupsOf-CatSpring.com.

ANIMAL FRIENDS OF AUSTIN COUNTY

The Animal Friends of Austin County is dedicated to pet adoption in the area with its no-kill shelter specializing in senior dogs and those with special needs. The best way to get in touch is via email at [email protected]