Category: Community Blog

LTlov would like to announce that effective immediately, 12:31 is no longer a program under its 501(c)(3) umbrella

In 2021, LTlov was excited to become the sponsoring organization under which 12:31 could operate. Thanks to overwhelming community support, this little grassroots idea to “help thy neighbor” ballooned into a wildly successful fundraising program. This program has now outgrown LTlov, whose founding principles are 100% volunteer and 100% local.

12:31 is in the process of setting up its own 501(c)(3) and LTlov wishes them all the best going forward as they enter this next chapter of their evolution.

Fionnuala Stockton
President LTlov

2021 was quite the year for LTlov!

In March we took part, once again, in Austin’s community-wide fundraising event, Amplify Austin. We were able to raise money to help fund the programs that LTlov continues to provide to those we love supporting in our local Lake Travis community.

LTlov’s Scholarship Program was pleased to award a $10,000 scholarship to Abigail Garcia. Her goal is to be a pediatric nurse practitioner. Her studies are well underway, and she is enjoying her time in college.

Project Supply Pack, part of LTlov’s School Supplies Program, delivered prepackaged campus and grade-specific school supplies directly to more than 250 LTISD students from 125 families coded Economically Disadvantaged. In addition to the prepackaged kits, our School Supplies Program committee set to work with the goal of providing ALL financially limited students with the supplies by filling backpacks with their required supplies. We were able to provide pre-filled backpacks to an additional 100 students from 45 families who either applied late or attend Lake Travis High School which does not participate in the prepackaged supply program.

Our Green Santa Season of Giving Program was a huge success this past holiday season. Green Santa spreads the love of Christmas to local families in need by collecting gifts for registered children who range in age from infant to 17. Gifts are donated by residents and businesses and dropped off at designated collection sites throughout the community. These gifts are distributed directly to parents and care givers on designated days in mid-December. This year each child received several age-appropriate gifts, and all families received $50 in H-E-B gift cards. LTlov was able to serve 691 total children (234 families) in the Lake Travis community. We are so thankful for all of the individuals and businesses that donated toys and money to the Green Santa program.

After having served three full terms as President of LTlov, I am now stepping off the LTlov Board of Directors. My well-qualified replacement is Fionnuala Stockton, who has served as our VP of Programs for several years. She was also last year’s Green Santa – Season of Giving Chairperson.

Cheryl Fowlkes has served a three-year term as VP of Membership for LTlov. Cheryl will be stepping off the Board of Directors, and her replacement is LTlov member, Michelle Florander.

Stacy Mikrut has served a three-year term as the Treasurer for LTlov. Stacy will be stepping off the Board of Directors, and her replacement is LTlov member, Deanna Allen.

I’d like to thank Cheryl, Stacy, and the rest of the LTlov Board for their support during my time as President and to welcome Fionnuala, Michelle and Deanna in their new roles. LTlov will always hold a special place in my heart.

Thank you,

Kim Kahle

Amplify Austin 2021 is a Wrap!

LTlov is pleased to announce that together we raised $5,825 during this year’s 24-Hr online event called Amplify Austin.

Together we will be able to use your donations to continue our outreach to those in need in the Lake Travis Community. We’d like to thank everyone who donated to LTlov this year.

Your generosity, as always, means so much to us… but also, to those we work to uplift in our community. Thank you SO much!

A Message from the President

2018 was another busy and meaningful year for LTlov!  LTlov has been serving the Lake Travis area for 11 years now, and we are pleased to have provided over $1.1 million dollars in cash and in kind donations to struggling families in our Lake Travis community!
As an organization we’ve learned that education is the key to fighting poverty.  Children who are consistently lacking in the resources that most of their peers take for granted are not only academically challenged, but our research indicates that these children are sidelined emotionally as well. It is our goal to make sure that these children have all of the resources they need to succeed in school.
We are proud of the fact that in 2018 we brought in $73,850 and of that, distributed $72,628. That is 98% that went back out to our Lake Travis community! And, it is important to remember that the time spent as a part of LTlov is completely voluntary.  I’d like to thank our board, our many members, and our generous community for their dedication and partnerships that have helped LTlov achieve it’s goals this past year.
In the coming days, you will be receiving emails inviting you to support our one and only fundraiser, Amplify ATX.  Our 24-hour event is February 28th.  We need as many members as possible to join us in creating personal fundraising pages so that we can reach our $20,000 goal.  We live here, so we give here!
As the new President of LTlov, I look forward to continuing the good work that Michelle and others started 11 years ago. I’m excited for the opportunity to lead LTlov into the future as we continue the work of helping our neighbors overcome limiting circumstances.
– Kim Kahle, President

LTlov Celebrates 10 Years of Service

What began as a simple desire to bring awareness to the existing, but mostly unknown, plight of local families living in real, economic distress, has stretched into ten years of serving those families through programs dedicated to achieving our vision of a compassionate community without economic or educational disparity. It has been an honor and a worthy challenge to guide LTlov over the past 10 years. I am indebted to the women who spent long hours directing our formation and forever grateful to the members who have joined us in our mission! I am honored by the ways that our residential and business communities have so generously supported LTlov and our mission to support neighbors helping neighbors to overcome limiting circumstances.  That spirit of generosity, along with our motto of, “Do good and have fun doing it,” was in full swing at our 10th birthday celebration at the home of long-time member, Eileen Alter on October 26th.. Thank you to everyone who joined us and for your donations of personal care items for the Lake Travis and Spicewood crisis ministries, children’s pajamas for Peaceful Dreams and sneakers for Fight Club, a program for at risk LTHS students. Thank you Plate by Dzintra, Thai Spice, Mangieri’s, Little Greek, Flores, Papa Murphy’s, Toscano, Chick-fil-A, The Grove, Café Lago, The League and Tony C’s for providing delicious refreshments; Hill Country Cakery for our amazing birthday cake; Magpie, Point of Origin and Eileen Alter Art for donating wonderful door prizes; Suzanna Choffel and Black Fret for fabulous entertainment; and finally, a special shout out to the LTHS PALS students who responded cheerfully to every request for assistance throughout the event.

It has been a privilege to experience the power of ordinary people coming together to do something extraordinary with sincere hearts for those struggling in our midst. I have been a witness to countless miracles, innovative ideas and affirmative responses to requests for members to step into leadership roles. I have been thanked, hugged and recognized more than I deserve and that has been a great blessing. I would like to thank our board, the membership and our generous community for making LTlov a key player in the fight against poverty in the Lake Travis area.

 

With all due respect,

 

Michelle Zogas

LTlovs Spaghetti!

disney spaghettiLTlov’s mission is neighbors helping neighbors and usually we are filling the “helper” role. But sometimes the tables are turned! Sometimes upside down is right side up! Sometimes the givers become the receivers!  We are honored to have been chosen as the sole beneficiary of the Lake Travis Lions Club’s 2016 Spaghetti and Jazz fundraiser on Friday, May 6th from 5:00 – 8:00pm at the Lakeway Activity Center. Past beneficiaries include the Lake Travis Community Library, LTISD, the Lakeway Police Department and All Things Wild. Come join us for some Do-Good Deliciousness! Dine in and enjoy the fabulous Lake Travis Jazz Band, a silent auction and the spirit of community fellowship, or take out and give yourself a break from Friday night meal prep! Either way, LTlov is so blessed to live in a community where neighbors love to help neighbors and those who usually do the giving, can enjoy the the bounty of receiving!

Lake Travis Non-Profits Working Together

Lake Travis is home to many non-profit organizations serving various segments of our community. Regular communication between us is the key to staying informed, which allows us to work together to find solutions that benefit the community as a whole. One of the most difficult problems 501c3 organizations face is not just meeting the needs of the folks that count on our help, but managing our resources effectively so there is enough to go around. One way we do this is by each knowing what the other is doing. If LTlov is providing school supplies to Lake Travis students, the Lake Travis Education Foundation can put their efforts toward meeting other district needs. If the Lake Travis Youth Association is providing scholarships for athletes who cannot afford their fees, then LTlov does not need to fund a grant to meet that need. I am happy to say that LTlov stays connected to our non-profit friends and neighbors. As a member of the Lake Travis Outreach Partners, we meet with other organizations serving our low income population. As a participant in Amplify Lake Travis, we proudly support other Lake Travis 501c3 organizations who are fundraising through the AmplifyAustin platform. Would you like to learn more about some great local orgs? Join us on Tuesday, March 8th from 6pm-8pm at Table 620 in the new HEB for free appetizers, live music, and the opportunity to get to know some of our non-profit friends: LTEF, LTYA, TexARTS, Youth2Seniors, Colin’s Hope, Spicewood Arts Society and Help our Wounded.

Opportunities to Create

Is a toy frivolous when your family is struggling to pay bills and provide food? Our Green Santa program provides two age appropriate gifts and books plus HEB cards to purchase food for the holidays. Some feel that we should do away with the gifts and increase the food donation, but is that really best for the children? Children need to play. They need opportunities to be creative, to spend time outside kicking a soccer ball and to gather together as a family to play a board game. The legos received might launch a love for engineering, the art set a career in design or the building blocks chart a course toward architecture. That football can motivate a sedentary child to run and play and even Barbie can allow the chance to work out social experiences within the context of imaginary relationships. Maybe a couple of toys is just what kids living in poverty need.

Our Season Begins

Founded in October 2007, the Lake Travis Labor of Love works to identify local needs, inspire community involvement, and distribute contributions through projects that assist and empower families in the Lake Travis area.

LTlov funds local projects/organizations each year by general membership vote through individual member and community donations to the Corporation and by sponsoring fundraising programs and events.

LTlov is currently accepting applications for funding. Presentations are limited but encouraged. Contact Michelle Zogas at president@ltlov.org to be considered for a meeting presentation. Grants funding decisions will be made in May.