Brooklyn Decker and Guests Kicked Off the Grand Opening of Austin’s BOA Steakhouse with a Casino Night Fundraiser for the Andy Roddick Foundation

On June 13, Innovative Dining Group co-founders Lee Maen and Phil Cummins hosted a Casino Night fundraiser for the Andy Roddick Foundation in conjunction with the grand opening of their newest Austin concept, BOA Steakhouse, a new Austin hot spot.

Approximately 500 guests enjoyed passed light bites, cocktails and music from DJ Alex Robata as well as casino games and a raffle, all while raising funds for the Austin-based Andy Roddick Foundation and its non-profit programs.

1

5

Samuel Ian Bridge and Ali Tate Cutler (Photos by Tyler Schmitt, courtesy of ARF)

2

5

Brooklyn Decker and Andy Roddick (Photos by Tyler Schmitt, courtesy of ARF)

3

5

Anna and Moyo Oyelola (Photos by Tyler Schmitt, courtesy of ARF)

4

5

Rachel Roy (Photos by Tyler Schmitt, courtesy of ARF)

5

5

Kimberly Fearon and Kevin D’Andrea (Photos by Tyler Schmitt, courtesy of ARF)

RELATED: California’s BOA Steakhouse Wows Austin

The Andy Roddick Foundation is currently operating their 11th Summer Learning Program, providing vital out-of-school academic and athletic programming to over 200 kids, to reduce summer learning loss.

We had the chance to speak with Andy Roddick before the Casino Night fundraiser, and he was eager to share the mission of his foundation with guests of the event. Roddick launched ARF in 2000 out of a desire to help children find their spark and to support local families.

The Foundation extends and broadens learning possibilities and puts students face-to-face with a broad range of local professionals. The Austin-based nonprofit aims to turn time that children spend outside the classroom into real learning opportunities. ARF provides summer and after school camps that offer chances for children to grow in literacy, STEM, art, and sports — all during months and times of day when statistics show they’re typically most at risk and falling behind.

“The biggest learning gaps take place during the summer months,” Roddick notes on the ARF website. “Kids that have access to great opportunities don’t miss a beat when they go back to school, but those who don’t are playing catch up.”

Participants in the summer program and after school programs have consistently outperformed their peers on standardized tests, missed fewer days of school, exhibited fewer disciplinary referrals and gained essential life skills such as self-confidence, resilience, and a profound sense of belonging. Learn more at www.andyroddickfoundation.org.