Best Friday afternoon ever.
Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell, Jr.
On August 19, Samsung Austin Semiconductor presented four checks—totaling $1 million—to tax-exempt organizations that separately provide food, youth programs, education, and community services in Taylor and across Williamson County. The ceremony was a celebration of the one-year anniversary of the city and Williamson County approving incentives to bring Samsung’s first $17 billion advanced semiconductor fabrication site to the area, and an indisputable demonstration of their commitment to being a good neighbor.
Congressman Michael McCaul, who wrote the CHIPS for America Act, was present and said, “Samsung has been an amazing partner for Texas. Not only are they investing in our community and creating thousands of good paying jobs that will help boost local economies, they are also giving back to the community. I applaud Samsung for their generous donations to Bluebonnet Trails, The Boys & Girls Club of East Williamson County, Shepherd’s Heart Food Pantry & Community Ministries, and Taylor Independent School District. I am grateful for their partnership and continued leadership.”
GEORGETOWN SUPPORT
Bluebonnet Trails received $250,000 in support of their mission to provide wraparound care for individuals from birth and through their lifetime. The agency serves all of Williamson County and manages two mental health care facilities in Georgetown. Executive Director Andrea Richardson explained their mission includes early childhood intervention, crisis respite and therapy, mental health treatment, and support for young people who are preparing to transition to adulthood. “We help people get connected with resources that may or may not be our own and we welcome anyone in crisis regardless of where they live. We serve people with many types of needs—not just mental health but also developmental disabilities and substance abuse. Or even just a simple phone call that gives a parent information to help her child and we start them on a path for a lifetime of success.”
She credits their many partnerships in Georgetown for helping the agency maintain their mission, including Georgetown ISD, St. David’s Georgetown, and the Georgetown Police Department; “We are grateful to have so many eyes on the kids. To see what is going on with a child, you know what’s happening in the family as well, which is why our spectrum of services is so valuable.”
Andrea noted that two adult crisis facilities are located in the Georgetown city limits with a youth crisis respite program in Round Rock. Bluebonnet Trails facilities work with St. David’s emergency department and their crisis center is staffed 24/7 to help people with psychiatric needs receive a continuum of care and make sure individuals get the right level of care at the right time, rather than being asked to wait or being taken to jail. She said, “We are very excited Samsung is investing in mental health in such a mighty way and great things will be happening all over the county.” She added that she is looking forward to continued and detailed conversations with Samsung about future support. “Community is so important to them and it all starts with mental health and well being.”
A GOOD CORPORATE CITIZEN
Recognizing that many are experiencing challenges and struggles today, Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell, Jr. (right) asked the company to consider making a one-time $1 million donation to non-profits in Taylor. He recalled, “I got a call at 1am—their chief of staff had run it up the chain and said it would take a few days to do things lawfully, but ultimately they approved the ask. We’ve negotiated hard with this company for what’s best for our residents and we’ve also asked them to do a few things and they are investing in Williamson County. I asked them for help after the recent tornado and they immediately made a $10,000 donation.”
Judge Gravell was thrilled to be a part of the event. Knowing the amount of the gifts ahead of time, he described his anticipation as the recipients waited for the ceremony to begin. The judge asked the food pantry representative about the largest gift the agency had ever received. She said it was $8,000 then added, “While I have your attention, what kind of help can the county give us too?” Judge Gravell recalled, “I had a hard time not telling her what was coming, and, as it happened, there were tears.” He, too, added high praise for Samsung for choosing to help kids and provide food and mental health support for the community.
While the $250,000 checks were a one-time gift, they were also merely a kickstart to the tech giant’s corporate largesse. In their original agreement with the city of Taylor, Samsung agreed to provide a $300,000 charitable investment annually for the next 30 years. Those gifts will also be directed to tax-exempt organizations that have a civic and community development impact in Taylor.