Float for a Change

Fun and philanthropy meet for the river float trip of the year. Bring your shades and cool off in the San Marcos River, while supporting programs and agencies that help over 50,000 residents in need each year. Texas State Tubes has partnered with United Way of Hays County to host a benefit float on August 18.

For one price, guests are provided a tube, shuttle to and from river and parking locations and live music from The Weed Hawks, all while enjoying the scenic San Marcos river flowing through Martindale. The event is a fun all-inclusive way to give back to the community.

“I think that involvement with organizations like the United Way, is a key way to give back to the community,” comments Justin Moses, co-owner of Texas State Tubes, “I believe that charitable acts return in full, and therefore are a good way for us to direct our time and energy."

Each day in Hays and Caldwell Counties a woman is forced to leave her home because she is the victim of domestic abuse, a senior skips meals because he lacks the resources and mobility to prepare one, families are struggling for basic necessities and children are displaced due to situations that for many people are unfathomable.  These are the realities facing thousands of residents who, every year, rely on the services provided by the 15 partner agencies that receive funding from United Way of Hays County.

“This event is an awesome opportunity to raise awareness for our cause, and involve people in a fun, effortless way. The price of one tubing trip can mean a world of difference for a person in crisis,” says Michelle Harper, executive director of United Way of Hays County.

In retrospect, the one-time $17 cost of the float can purchase two weeks of food for 35 victims of domestic abuse housed at the Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center shelter, provide 8.5 hours of physical therapy for a child age 0-3 with special needs through ECI Homespun, provide clothing for two children staying in the Greater San Marcos Youth Council shelter, cover 12 RSVP volunteers with accident and liability insurance for one year while they volunteer in mentoring and literacy programs, and purchase 15 new books for new mothers to start an at-home library for their child through UWHC’s own Born Learning/Born to Read program.

Texas State Tubes is the product of visioning by two area natives, Justin “Rocco” Moses and Richard Lawrence, who always felt an affinity toward the river and natural surroundings. After completing school and transitioning into a corporate work environment, the two felt a need for a change. They found a plot of land in Martindale, put in an offer within four days and the rest is history.
“I believe, as well as my partner, that this has all come about because we continue to push and look for new ideas and ways to better ourselves and our lives, as well as the people around us,” says Moses.

Don’t miss your chance to beat the heat and be involved in creating lasting change for the community. Attendees can look for United Way tents where they can engage with staff and volunteers for games, giveaways and learn more about getting involved with UWHC.

For more information about United Way of Hays County programs, agencies and events visit www.unitedwayhaysco.org, email unitedway@centurytel.net or call 512.353.1420.