Of all the bonding experiences that go on in ABSOLUTE TEXXAS, the most fulfilling are the moments when we as a group give ourselves back to the community that we love. Service is an integral part of the ABSOLUTE TEXXAS experience and is necessary in order for members to grow as well-rounded individuals. Through our main philanthropies, Cancer and Children, we here at ABSOLUTE TEXXAS offer a rewarding opportunity for UT students.

The following are some of the events that will take place in the fall and the spring:

Helping Hand Home
This home that has fostered to children abused and neglected for a long time in Austin is very close to the heart of ABSOLUTE TEXXAS. Around three times a month, we plan recreation time with the children. As well, we also plan special events or trips with the children. Previous events have included taking the kids to the Zilker Park Kite Festival and holding a carnival at Helping Hand Home. There is also a Thanksgiving event at the house planned for this fall.

Race For the Cure
Run by the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Race For the Cure is a 5K that takes place in the fall. This event is a major part of our cancer philanthropy. We volunteer our time by helping with setup and cleaning around the site of the race.

Coats For Kids
Near the beginning of the winter months, under-privileged families have an opportunity to pick out donated coats for their children. We assist these families in finding the right coats for the winter ahead.

Relay For Life
This is a fun overnight event where groups or organizations form teams that raise money for American Cancer Society. As a team, we would walk or run around a track with the objective of keeping at least one member of the team on the track at all times. In the spring of 2006, ABSOLUTE TEXXAS members, friends, and family raised and donated over $2,500 for The American Cancer Society.

Four Square Tournament
An event begun in the Spring of ’07, the Four Square Tournament benefits St. Jude Children’s Hospital, a cancer research hospital that treats all patients regardless of the family’s ability to pay. For our first charity event, each team turned in addresses for donations to St. Jude as their cover fee. Teams of students from all over campus came together to compete in a game of Four Square for a common cause. Prizes were given to the winning teams in the tournament along with the team that sent in the most addresses for St. Jude. After going through the inaugural tournament, the expectations are high for the next tournament which will take place in the Spring of ’08.

Bedtime Book Drive
Our newest event in the service area of AT, the Bedtime Book Drive is an effort by members of AT to collect pajamas and books to go to Helping Hand Home and Austin Children’s Shelter. We will also raise money for the purchasing of these necessities for children. In the culmination of the event, we will deliver the pajamas and books to Helping Hand Home and take part in reading bedtime stories to the children. We will also treat them to milk and cookies during the bedtime stories.