The Central Texas High-Tech Hurricane Relief Fund

After Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005, over 7,000 evacuees found refuge in Austin. Joe Aragona and his partners at Austin Ventures wanted to help the evacuees and encourage others to contribute to the efforts. Working with the Entrepreneurs Foundation, they offered to match contributions from the high-tech community, up to a total of $100,000. This initial challenge grant launched the High-tech Fund for Hurricane Relief. The Topfer Family Foundation then offered an additional $100,000 challenge, and within six weeks this effort raised $480,000 to help our new neighbors. The money raised helped local nonprofits increase their capacity to serve Katrina evacuees in Central Texas. In addition, the high-tech fund grants committee, led by Joe Aragona, provided strategic and financial support to local social entrepreneurs. Thank you to all the individuals and companies who donated to make this fund a success.