Staff Report
DRIPPING SPRINGS — The Dripping Springs Elite Real Estate Professionals organization began its 2026 charitable giving efforts with a $1,000 donation to Project Connect Dripping Springs, a local nonprofit dedicated to helping families navigate life’s transitions with support, mentorship and connection to resources.
The donation was presented by Kristen Rummel, chair of the DS Elite Charitable Giving Committee, alongside fellow committee and board members. Lisa Little, president of Project Connect, and Lisa Hargraves, second vice president, accepted the donation.
"We are honored to be chosen by DS Elite for this generous support,” Little said. “Project Connect is a small nonprofit focused on helping families in need within Dripping Springs ISD. Many in the community recognize our Tiger Santa program and we are especially grateful to DS Elite for sponsoring a family and for the individual members who stepped up to help last Christmas. This donation will make an immediate difference for families who may be struggling to pay a bill, put food on the table or cover a necessary expense, like a tire needing repair, so they can get to work. Every dollar stays right here in our community.”
Project Connect, founded in 2019, offers one-on-one mentorship, guidance and access to local resources for individuals navigating difficult life events, such as divorce, financial hardship, family loss or transition to single parenthood. The organization is powered by trained volunteer mentors and strategic community partnerships.
“As professionals rooted in Dripping Springs, we believe it’s our responsibility and our privilege to give back to the people and organizations who make this community so strong,” said Rummel. “Project Connect is a powerful example of local care in action.”
This marks the first of four charitable donations planned by Dripping Springs Elite in 2026, as part of a commitment to support a different local nonprofit each quarter through both financial contributions and community engagement, according to the organization.
