Farewell to the Food Drive: A Legacy of Giving

What started in 1986 as a small but mighty initiative by a handful of Austin Apartment Association (AAA) members—raising just $600—grew into one of the most beloved traditions in our association’s history. Founded by volunteer Steve Cartelli and championed by the tireless efforts of Michael "Doc" Young and many others, the AAA Food Drive became a cornerstone event, rallying our industry to give back in a meaningful way. Over its incredible 38-year run, the drive raised more than $1.1 million, providing over 28,450 holiday meals to families in need across Austin.

Before the passing of our namesake, “Doc” Young, the Doc & Gayle Young Food Drive had evolved into a nearly 100-person volunteer operation on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving—a day AAA members looked forward to each year. The fundraising efforts were anything but ordinary: from talent shows and silent auctions to BBQ plates, telethons, bake sales, happy hours, and volleyball tournaments—you name it, we did it (and had a blast along the way)!

Each year, the AAA President would set the fundraising goal, which eventually grew to $65,000 annually, with every dollar going toward feeding those in need. Our long-term partner, H-E-B, played an essential role, with the beloved Oltorf and South Lamar store serving as our Food Drive hub. Year after year, their incredible management team and employees assembled over 1,000 food packs, which were then loaded into AAA members’ trucks and delivered in what could only be described as “organized chaos” (or just madness!). Volunteers lined up assembly-style, ensuring each nonprofit partner received the right number of food packs for their recipient households. Some of our most cherished memories come from the good-natured banter between the late Mary Gonzalez and AAA Past President Kim McGregor—traditions that brought humor and heart to our efforts.

Of course, no great volunteer event is complete without food, and the Food Drive was no exception. We started the day over breakfast tacos and wrapped it up celebrating with a well-earned happy hour—because giving back and coming together as a community go hand in hand.

A New Era: Evolving to Meet Community Needs

For decades, the Food Drive flourished, but as with all great traditions, change eventually came. The COVID-19 pandemic brought unforeseen challenges, making it impossible to gather and operate as we had before. The closure of our longtime H-E-B hub added another hurdle. But in true AAA fashion, we adapted. In 2020, the Food Drive pivoted to providing grocery gift cards, ensuring families still received much-needed holiday support. Even amid tough times, our members stepped up, raising an impressive $45,000 annually in the post-pandemic years.

During this transition, AAA leadership took a step back and engaged in deeper conversations with our nonprofit partners. What we learned was eye-opening. While our traditional Food Drive had been invaluable, our partners shared insights that challenged us to think bigger—how could we expand our impact in a way that better served those in need?

Closing One Chapter, Opening Another

With this new understanding, the AAA Foundation made the difficult but forward-thinking decision to retire the Doc & Gayle Young Food Drive after its final run in 2024. But this isn’t the end—it’s a transformation. The AAA Foundation remains committed to its mission: improving lives through the generosity, talent, and dedication of the rental housing industry. Moving forward, our focus will be on amplifying volunteerism and finding innovative ways to support our long-term nonprofit partners.

So, while we say goodbye to this treasured event, we do so with immense gratitude. We honor the decades of hard work, the countless volunteer hours, and the unwavering generosity of our community.

Honoring Our Food Drive Champions

A special thank you to those who gave their heart and soul to this initiative over the years:

• Doc Young
• Gayle Young
• Kristan Arrona
• Jennifer Cox
• Travis Fowler
• Mary Gonzalez
• Kim McGregor
• Taryn Merrill
• Stephanie Naylor
• Terri Needham
• Toni Rackley
• Paige Russell
• Deborah Vogel
• Ben Wells

To the hundreds of volunteers who showed up, year after year—thank you. Your dedication has made a lasting impact on low-income families, foster youth, and the elderly. Because of you, over one thousand households received holiday meals each year, and the spirit of giving in our industry remains as strong as ever.

As we close this chapter, we look ahead with excitement. If our past has taught us anything, it’s that AAA members always rise to the occasion. So, here’s to new opportunities, new initiatives, and the next great chapter of giving back.