To remedy this, Hart founded the nonprofit organization A Kind Hart in January, dedicated to offering financial assistance for those living or working in the Lake Travis area.
People can apply to have these financial needs met through the organization’s website, which allows a description of the need and how much is required. If approved, these needs are then met by funds raised through charity events or donations.
“I’ve been in the community for an extremely long time, and now I’m raising my family here as well,” Hart said. “I’ve been really involved in helping a lot of the different philanthropic groups that are here, and I had seen some areas lacking or in need of help. For years, I’ve had this vision to put together a nonprofit able to help folks living in the Lake Travis area.”
To make this vision a reality, Hart began by forming the officers of the foundation and its board.
These individuals are responsible for shaping the organization in its first year, determining the mission of the organization and deciding how they want to raise funds, Hart said.
The organization assists with a variety of requests, from educational needs to helping out other local entities. Funding comes from donations, sponsors and proceeds from events such as Cinco de Casino, held by A Kind Hart in May.
For example, the organization helped provide shoes for a student through the Lake Travis High School’s CAV Lounge, a free “shop” in the high school where students can pick up necessities such as food and school supplies.
Additionally, a local dance studio teacher secured financial assistance for a student wishing to continue their athletic classes.
“Whether it’s a teacher that had hard luck or an employee from a restaurant falling on hard times, we want [the community] to know they can reach out to us,” Hart said. “We are not a foundation of saying ‘no.’ We want more and more people to know they can come to us if there’s a need.”
A gala will be on Sept. 30 to raise funds for the Lake Travis Crisis Ministries, which helps families living in the Lake Travis area with food and financial needs.
Hart said she hopes events such as these become staples on peoples’ calendars and something they look forward to every year.
A Kind Hart
512-415-9023
www.akindhartfoundation.com
[email protected]
