The Caring Place announced today it received $100,000 from Southwestern University for the purpose of aiding the Georgetown community who are in need of food or other emergency assistance. The Cullen Trust for Higher Education provided these funds to Southwestern University due to the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Caring Place has seen a 156% rise in the need for its services over the last four months.  In a typical year, The Caring Place provides services to over 6,600 individuals in Georgetown and the surrounding area. Last year the organization provided $773,319 in direct financial support to neighbors in need. The organization anticipates the pandemic and economic downturn will continue to create more need throughout the community.

The contribution is part of a new statewide campaign initiative, The Spirit Food Fund, launched by notable Texas businessman, humanitarian, and philanthropist Corby Robertson, Jr. Robertson’s vision is to utilize the network of golfers and charitable mission of the organization he founded, Spirit Golf Association (SGA), to increase support for community organizations, like The Caring Place, at a time when their constituent needs are acute.

“We all have a responsibility to lift up our neighbors and our communities,” Robertson said. “The Spirit Food Fund initiative began in Houston in May, but families throughout Texas are in need, and organizations like The Caring Place help us to make an immediate impact on lives across the state.”

Corby Robertson, Jr. Robertson, Todd Alfred, and Laura Skandera Trombley, presented a $100,000 donation to Ginna O’Connor, Executive Director of The Caring Place.  (Photo credit: Southwestern University)

This gift will kickstart the Spirit of Caring campaign for The Caring Place.  (Photo credit: Southwestern University)

During an event on the campus of Southwestern University, Robertson, Todd Alfred, President of SGA, and the University’s new President, Laura Skandera Trombley, presented a $100,000 donation to Ginna O’Connor, Executive Director of The Caring Place.  O’Connor noted the money would be used to support the organizations services which includes:

• food programs, including a food pantry;
• mortgage, rent and/or utility payment assistance;
• medical and transportation assistance;
• case management, and;
• seasonal programs.

“We deeply appreciate the generous donation from Southwestern University and the Cullen Trust to The Caring Place. During this challenging time when we have so many neighbors who are struggling to make ends meet, this gift will help us continue to fulfill our mission, “ said Ginna O’Connor, Executive Director of The Caring Place.

This gift will kickstart the Spirit of Caring campaign for The Caring Place. With a goal of raising an additional $50,000 with the help of the Georgetown community. The Caring Place hopes this initial gift sparks generous support for neighbors in need. To contribute, donors can visit www.caringplacetx.org/spiritofcaring This campaign, ending in November, will be the longest The Caring Place has ever initiated.

ABOUT THE SPIRIT GOLF ASSOCIATION
The Spirit Golf Association (SGA) is a 501 (c) (3) charity dedicated to the promotion of amateur golf for the benefit of supporting basic human needs for providing food, education and health programs and services. The SGA is the host organization of the premier amateur golf championship, The Spirit International, held at Whispering Pines Golf Club, ranked by Golfweek as the #1 course in Texas and #24 on its top 100 modern courses list. The SGA has contributed more than $13 million to its charitable activities: The Spirit International Amateur Golf Championship and healthcare service providers such as Baylor College of Medicine Teen Health Clinics, Medical Bridges and The Immunization Partnership. In May, the SGA launched the Spirt Food Fund as an emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic to raise $2 million and to recruit hundreds of volunteers for the Houston Food Bank. In 2017, The Spirit Golf Association responded to the Hurricane Harvey relief efforts by directing funds to Harvey victims through the United Way, Houston Food Bank, KIPP, Yellowstone Academy and the Baylor College of Medicine Teen Health Clinics.

ABOUT THE CARING PLACE
Since 1985, The Caring Place has provided for the basic human needs of all people in our community in a welcoming, respectful and caring way.  Through two thrift stores, The Shops at The Caring Place and Second Helping, both in Georgetown, the organization is able to pay operating expenses to serve a growing community.  All monetary and food donations directly benefit neighbors needing assistance with food, utility, rent, transportation or medical assistance.  The Caring Place is a community-based and community-supported organization.  For more information on The Caring Place, visit www.caringplacetx.org.  

ABOUT SOUTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
Southwestern University is a selective, nationally recognized undergraduate liberal arts and sciences college located in Georgetown, Texas, with an enrollment of approximately 1,500. Established in 1840, it is the first institution of higher learning in Texas. Southwestern’s residential campus offers an experiential education, with numerous internship and collaborative research opportunities. The world is changing—and at an accelerating pace. In a 21st-century career, it is important to advance the frontiers of knowledge, adapt quickly to change, problem-solve new and complex challenges, and anticipate what’s next. We’ve created an experience that prepares students for these new realities. Southwestern University will equip students with the skills required to adapt, create, collaborate, and view challenges from multiple perspectives. These skills represent a valuable piece of a much broader, more relevant education for the tomorrow that awaits Southwestern scholars, innovators, and global community leaders.