Michael and Susan Dell Foundation’s Inaugural Be Well Walk

The Michael and Susan Dell Foundation is at it again, making the world a better place by helping fund programs that find solutions, rather than just fix problems. Since 1999, when Michael and Susan Dell established their foundation in Austin, they’ve helped communities in the United States, India, and South Africa by committing more than $700 million to help change lives. The foundation’s most recent endeavor brings them back to their Austin roots with the Be Well Walk on October 2.

The Dell Corporation not only provides thousands of jobs for Central Texans at their headquarters in Round Rock near the Ranch at Brushy Creek subdivision, but thanks to the Dell’s investment of proceeds from their highly successful business, they’ve created a legacy of caring and change many larger businesses can’t claim.

The goal of MSDF is “to ignite long-lasting change that will ripple across communities, cities and the globe.” They do this by focusing on three main areas: urban education, childhood health, and family economic stability.

Their inaugural Be Well Walk will fall into line naturally with their goals and focus areas, as the walk is “designed to encourage Austin’s families to make informed and simple changes to improve nutrition and increase physical activity.” The expectations are that the walk will raise $200,000 for 15 Central Texas partner organizations through each organization’s team fundraising efforts and by the matching dollars that MSDF provides to each team. Here’s how it works:

“Each group is responsible for raising $5,000, registering 100 walkers for the event and having 100 walkers cross the finish line. Upon meeting these goals, each organization will receive a matching $5,000 donation from the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation. Individual walkers from across Central Texas are also encouraged to participate in the event. Up to 1,000 participants can register via www.bewellwalk.org. The registration fee is $25 and can be directed to one of the 15 participating organizations. This $25 registration fee will be matched by the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation and 100 percent of all registration fees go towards the partner organizations. The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation is underwriting all costs associated with the Be Well Walk.”

On top of the money raised, the event will have kids, parents, grandparents, and the like outside and moving together. If you want to help raise money for great Austin organizations like Campfire USA Balcones Council, Whole Kids Foundation, Marathon Kids, Sustainable Food Center, and more, and enjoy a beautiful October afternoon with your family on the shores of Lady Bird Lake in central Austin, sign up for the walk on the Be Well Walk website today.

Austin Realtor Brian Talley loves charities like the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation, and especially loves businesses that give back to their communities. Brian always tries his best to give back to his community at the Ridge at Lantana in Southwest Austin, and to Austin in general.