The American Constructors Foundation is proud to announce a $15,000 donation to the Austin Community College Foundation (ACC) through sponsorships committed for the second annual Riverbat Paddle Battle! The 2020 kayak race was canceled due to COVID-19, but thanks to the generosity of our event sponsors, early committed funds will directly benefit Central Texas students.
Along with American Constructors, 2020 sponsors include Anchor-Ventana Glass, Allied Underground, Inc., Haddon + Cowan Architects and Pfluger Architects. Representatives from each company and the Riverbat Paddle Battle host committee presented the donation to ACC during the virtual Board of Trustees meeting on August 3.
“We are so pleased to be able to support ACC students for a second year through the Riverbat Paddle Battle, despite the decision to cancel the event to ensure the safety of our community,” said Marty Burger, CEO of American Constructors. “We want to express our immense gratitude to the organizations that generously transferred their sponsorships to a direct donation even with the event cancellation. Thanks to our incredible sponsors, we were able to exceed last year’s donation to the ACC Foundation. This truly demonstrates how the Austin community can come together in difficult times to make a difference.”
The 2020 Riverbat Paddle Battle, originally scheduled for September 12, was set to be the second annual event benefiting ACC. The inaugural 2019 event raised $10,000 to support scholarships, apprenticeships and workforce development for local students. Now, this year’s donation will lighten the financial burden for ACC students so they can focus on achieving their educational goals.
“I am honored and humbled to accept this generous gift from the Riverbat Paddle Battle event sponsors. At a time when our community is hurting, you’ve shown how much you care. Now, more than ever, it is so important to support our students. This donation will have a major impact,” said Dr. Richard Rhodes, ACC President and CEO. “I thank you for your continued support of our students and our mission to build Central Texas lives. Together, I believe we will come through this stronger and more united than ever before.”
Thank you to the 2020 Riverbat Paddle Battle sponsors, host committee, and all who continue to support ACC students! We can’t wait to paddle again together in-person – stay tuned for 2021 details to be shared on the event website.
