Love is in the air: Austin Area Foundation to celebrate annual For The Love of Austin

Published 8:00 am Saturday, February 1, 2025

About For The Love of Austin

The Austin Area Foundation has a big day coming up later this month and it wants to invite you along for a night out of fun, fellowship, and fundraising.

AAF will be hosting its sixth annual For The Love of Austin from 6-8:30 p.m. on Feb. 15 at the Austin Country Club. It is a fundraiser for the organization that has dedicated itself to the community of Austin and Mower Count through charitable giving.

Individual dinner tickets are $75 with a cash bar available.

The first For The Love of Austin was held in February of 2020, beneath the shadow of the incoming COVID-19 pandemic and while for the next couple years, the event was held both in person and virtually, the mission and the purpose never shifted.

“The first event we had a very nice crowd, but we didn’t raise a huge amount,” said Executive Director Steve Barrett. That first year, the event raised just $8,900, but things quickly started climbing after that.

The Worlein Family Challenge

A major change to this year’s event is the Worlein Family Challenge, which will generate more funds for the organization, spearheaded by a family that has been an important part of the AAF for years.

Over the next five years, the family will be the presenting sponsor of For The Love of Austin, while at the same time will be providing up to $25,000 each year to match donations from attendees and donors.

“The goal of the Worlein Family Challenge is to provide more money that will go to our outreach into the community through the Austin Legacy Endowment Fund that provides the grant support to Austin-based nonprofits,” Barrett said, who added that money will also go toward scholarship funds as well as the Greater Austin Area and Mower County Endowment Fund.

Community Impact

This past year alone, the AAF was able to donate to 23 different programs from 21 different organizations that support basic needs, the arts, kids programming, education, and more. It’s also representative of the growth over the years that AAF has enjoyed. This year, the AAF was able to cross the $4 million mark in assets under management.

Through that solid base it appears that that growth could continue toward doubling that amount over the next 10 years. For The Love of Austin is a major part of establishing that foundation.

Event Details

But it’s also just a good time. This year’s entertainment will be provided in person by Brian and Nicole Christianson and the meal will be a four-course banquet. There will also be a silent and live auction with the silent auction being done completely online.

“Fun and fellowship all for the sake of doing good within the community,” Barrett said.

For more information, visit www.austinareafoundation.org.

FAQs

1. How much are individual dinner tickets?

Individual dinner tickets are $75 with a cash bar available.

2. What is the Worlein Family Challenge?

The Worlein Family Challenge is a fundraising initiative aimed at generating more funds to support the Austin Area Foundation’s community outreach programs.

3. How has the Austin Area Foundation impacted the community?

The AAF has donated to 23 different programs from 21 different organizations that support basic needs, the arts, kids programming, education, and more.

4. What can attendees expect at For The Love of Austin event?

Attendees can enjoy entertainment by Brian and Nicole Christianson, a four-course banquet, and participate in silent and live auctions.

5. How can I get involved with the Austin Area Foundation?

To get involved with the Austin Area Foundation, visit their website at www.austinareafoundation.org for more information on donations, volunteering, and events.