The Rusty Fund

I’m going to ask you for money.

Well, Rusty is going to ask you for money.

This idea arose one day when Rusty was meeting a 1-year-old neighbor. A 75-pound dog as tall as you can be intimidating that first time. And typical Rusty, he was careful, easy and gentle. He nosed the little boy slightly then turned to the side to offer his back for patting. He never pushed, never rushed.

It’s always been this way with Rusty. He and children were just meant for one another. Some of the first words in the vocabulary of the little girl across the street were “Rusty’s house.” He smiles at unknown kids. It is just his way.

He’s been an Austinite all his life. I have been for half my life. And that is now changing. I wanted to leave one last gift for a city that has given me many.

Plus, there is one particular place I’ve spent a lot of my time. I was there before it officially opened. And hundreds of times since. So, I need to say goodbye to that spot.

But it simply can’t be about me. Just not my way.

So as I say goodbye, and through August leading up to that farewell, I’m instituting the Rusty Fund. All the donations will go to the Central Texas Food Bank. To feed children. It’s amazing what the food bank can turn a dollar into, and I believe Rusty would agree no child should have to be hungry.

Please donate to the Rusty Fund. When I physically gather my friends to say goodbye at the end of the month, we’d like it to be a fundraiser for the Rusty Fund.

Let’s not say farewell. Let’s say live your best life to as many children as possible.

Please donate.