The Texas Yes Project is racing toward the finish line of its annual Drive Away for Education raffle and auction, giving Central Texans a chance to win a dream vehicle while helping provide school supplies to thousands of students across the state.
Danielle Gunter with the Texas Yes Project joined We Are Austin to share how the fundraiser supports Title I elementary students and why every ticket purchased makes a difference.
Danielle Gunter with the Texas Yes Project joined We Are Austin to share how the fundraiser supports Title I elementary students and why every ticket purchased makes a difference.
Supporting Students Across Central Texas
For 30 years, the Texas Yes Project has provided free school supplies to students in kindergarten through fifth grade, helping children arrive on the first day of school ready and confident.
“We provide free school supplies to the schools that we serve so that everybody has what they need to be confident and successful in the classroom,” Danielle said. “Nobody is singled out for not having them.”
The program currently supports students in Del Valle ISD and Manor ISD, and organizers say the impact goes beyond backpacks and notebooks.
“It helps the families that maybe are struggling,” Danielle said. “It also helps teachers, who are not having to spend as much out of their own pockets.”
Why School Supplies Matter
Danielle said the goal is to remove one more burden for families already juggling rising costs.
“It’s one less stress for them,” she said. “Studies have shown if you can get kids excited at an early age about school, they’re more likely to continue that education.”
That is why the project focuses on elementary students, where those early habits and confidence can have the biggest long-term impact.
Your last chance to support Texas Yes Project’s Drive Away for Education Raffle!
Drive Away for Education Returns
To help fund the school supply effort, the Texas Yes Project launched its Drive Away for Education raffle, now in its ninth year.
Thanks to Thomas J. Henry, this year’s grand prize includes the chance to choose from six different vehicles, including an electric ID. Buzz.
Tickets are available through Sunday at 11:55 p.m., and prices are:
1 ticket for $253 tickets for $5010 tickets for $100
Anyone who buys a ticket is also entered into a final weekly drawing for a $1,000 gift card.
Your last chance to support Texas Yes Project’s Drive Away for Education Raffle!
Online Auction Adds More Ways to Give
In addition to the raffle, the Texas Yes Project is also hosting an online auction with gift cards, vacation packages, electronics and other items.
Danielle said the fundraiser is especially important because every ticket purchased has a direct effect on the classroom.
“For every ticket that’s purchased, three students receive school supplies,” she said.
The organization currently supports about 9,000 students in the Austin area each year.
Last Chance to Help
The Texas Yes Project says it is a little behind its goal this year and is asking viewers to help push the campaign across the finish line.
Tickets and auction items are available now through Sunday, August 9 at 11:55 p.m.
For more information or to buy tickets, visit the Texas Yes Project website.
Your last chance to support Texas Yes Project’s Drive Away for Education Raffle! s Yes Project’s Drive Away for Education Raffle! FS.png