Paddles Up!
Help us Unearth the Future of Open Door Preschool and ensure ALL children have the opportunity to explore, grow, and thrive.
Dig into Play. Discover the Future.
As our signature fundraising event, Play It Forward is the cornerstone of our efforts to raise the critical funds needed to support Open Door’s mission. This year, we have set an ambitious fundraising goal of $150,000 and with your help, we can achieve it.
Tonight only we have a generous anonymous donor matching up to TEN THOUSAND dollars of your paddles up donations!
Honoring Piper Stege Nelson
This year, we are proud to honor our dear friend, Piper Stege Nelson, with the Opening New Doors Award. This distinction recognizes an individual who exemplifies and promotes our core values of equity and inclusion, ensuring our community remains a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Piper has dedicated her life to lifting up marginalized voices and promoting nonprofits doing vital work across Central Texas including SAFE, Annie's List, and Michelle Obama's Let Girls Learn Initiative. Piper is also a long time supporter of Open Door Preschools and a former Open Door parent, and we feel so incredibly lucky to have her in our village. We are happy to celebrate Piper’s accomplishments, her advocacy and her unwavering support for the people of Austin. Please join us in honoring her remarkable achievements at Play It Forward 2026!