AUSTIN, Texas — The Council on At-Risk Youth (CARY) is getting ready to celebrate a major milestone with the 5th annual Hats in for CARY fundraiser.

Executive Director Shana Fox and Development Director Ashley Ibsen joined We Are Austin’s Sierra Waggoner to talk about the nonprofit’s 25 years of service — and how this year’s event combines fun and giving back.

“So, CARY—the Council on At-Risk Youth—our mission is to empower at-risk youth with the skills to avoid crime and violence,” Fox said. “Our overarching goal is to close the pipeline to prison. We work with kids across 20 different schools, providing both group and individual counseling to promote safe schools, positive choices, and meaningful daily engagement.”

This year also marks 25 years of CARY making an impact in the Austin community.

“Over that time, we’ve come a long way. We’re now active in 20 schools across three different Austin-area school districts. This year alone, we expect to serve 2,000 kids with mental health support. Over the past 25 years, we’ve been able to support more than 30,000 youth.”

“Our work is growing, and we’re excited about expanding our reach — eventually becoming a statewide agency and even expanding to other cities,” Ashley Ibsen added.

And if you’re ready to throw your “Hats in for CARY,” the event promises more than just fundraising.

“Yeah, this is our fifth year doing Hats in for CARY,” Ibsen said. “It takes place at Austin’s Park and Revelry Social Club up on I-35. It’s a fun game night challenge, and what’s great is that Michael Goss and Sean Milberg from Austin’s Park provide all the food and games for free, so everything raised goes directly back to support CARY’s services.

Ibsen said it’s a friendly competition where teams of six compete in darts, Vegas-style games, pool, and a basketball challenge. “We end the night by crowning a winner, but really, we’re all winners because we’re giving back to CARY.”

Supporters can also get involved beyond the event. “ There are opportunities to sign up teams for the event happening this Thursday, but also chances to volunteer, adopt a school, and get involved on a more hands-on, grassroots level. There are always opportunities with the kids, because that’s who we’re serving,” Fox said.

Tickets and details about the 5th annual Hats in for CARY are available online cary4kids.org/events/, making it easy for Austinites to support local youth — and have a great time doing it.

Before wrapping up the segment, the We Are Austin team proved they still remember their high school days — scoring a perfect 3-for-3 in a fun round of Are You Smarter Than a Sophomore?