For Release: September 16, 2014
GREATER AUSTIN FOUNDATION FOR THE DEAF PROVIDING AID TO AUSTIN ASSOCIATION OF THE DEAF FOR CLUBHOUSE RENOVATIONS
Rosemary McGaugh, President, Greater Austin Foundation of the Deaf (GAFD) and Jo Bienvenu, President, Austin Association of the Deaf (AAD), smiled broadly on Saturday evening, September as they stood proudly before the AAD members at their clubhouse. The occasion was the signing agreement that GAFD would donate $100,000 to AAD for clubhouse renovations. AAD is in the process of raising $20,000 as a funding match for the GAFD donation. A first phase of the work will begin with paving the club’s parking lot which will provide ease of access to the building that be especially beneficial to senior citizens. A second phase of the work will involve internal improvements that will add new toilets, new air conditioning and heating, and an expanded kitchen.
GAFD was established when the Travis County Council for the Deaf decided to discontinue operations and sold their clubhouse near St. Edward University. The proceeds from the sale were entrusted to the GAFD that was organized to receive and administer the funds as designated for the benefit of the greater Austin area, namely, Travis, Williamson and Hays counties. Dr. Jerry Katz. Rutowski, and several other individuals on the GAFD board served as overseers in the investing of the funds of the funds that led to growth of the fund amount. In addition to current President Rosemary
McGrath, Paul Rutowski and Dr. Jerry Katz are still serving on the GAFD board, along with Ann Horn, Larry Evans, Tamara SuiterOcuto, Tom Cowan, Cathy Williams and David Myers. Thanks CSD, through Chris Soukup, President and Faye Kuo. General Counsel, for their assistance in drafting the agreement between GAFD and AAD.
GAFD is a Texas NonProfit Corporation and exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code. The GAFD mission is to provide financial support to the deaf and hard of hearing community of Greater Austin to enhance cultural enrichment, educational exposure and personal growth.