05/06/2026
We want to share an important update with our community.
*********A Statement from Southlake Foundation*********
Who We Are:
Southlake Foundation is an award-winning, volunteer-run, IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organization, recognized as the Best Civic Organization in Southlake.
Our mission is to support the community through youth programs, public servant appreciation, career initiatives, and charitable giving. No board member or volunteer receives compensation; instead, our members contribute thousands of hours and significant personal donations annually.
Our Work
The Foundation lives out this mission through various appreciative acts for the City of Southlake, police, firefighters, public works, USPS employees, and school staff across all 10 CISD buildings. We also do significant work for Grace “Feed the Kids” and “Grocery Giveaway.” Our financial contributions include $10,000 to the War Veterans of the American Legion, $11,000 to the Carroll Education Foundation, and $10,000 to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, among many others. All funds raised are reinvested directly back into the community.
Special Olympics and Individuals with Disabilities:
The 2024 and 2025 Southlake Foundation galas raised money to benefit Special Olympics and individuals with disabilities, a mission the Foundation has fulfilled and continues to fulfill. The Foundation ensures those dollars reach the kids they are meant to serve through a formal application and approval process. This dedicated fund was created in 2024 at the request of local parents of children with disabilities and is held at a local Southlake bank. A five-person committee, four of whom are parents of special needs students, was established to administer this fund.
Setting the Record Straight:
A recent article has created the false impression that the Foundation raised money for Special Olympics and then withheld it.
In truth, Southlake Foundation raised $32,514.00 specifically to benefit Special Olympics and individuals with disabilities. To date, $17,055.87 has been distributed to organizations supporting the cause on a rolling basis as qualifying requests were received, reviewed, and approved. The remaining $15,458.13 is earmarked for these causes and will be distributed to qualifying requests.
How Funds Have Been Used (March 2024 – April 2026):
• Track meet support (T-shirts, medals, and event supplies)
• Job Olympics participation
• State-level cheer participation for special needs students
• Megaphones for track meet
• Aquatics center access for student programs
• School event support (including homecoming activities)
• Special needs community initiatives (Banquets)
• Special Olympics-related program support
All disbursements have been made prior to any media inquiries. Any suggestion is otherwise false. There are no missing funds, and all funds continue to be used for their intended purpose.
The original committee continues to be responsible for approving these disbursements. Kush Rao has never been on this committee and has no vote in the approval process.
Southlake Foundation remains committed to our mission and are deeply grateful for the continued support of our community.
