Dell helped shape Austin area

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The contributions of Michael and Susan Dell and the Dell Foundation have played a giant roll in shaping the central Texas area.

“A business like Dell is always trying to attract the best and brightest from across the planet and bring them to Austin,” said Jamie Grant, the executive director for the Long Center, a multi-million dollar performing arts facility that has received an enormous amount of donations from Dell.

“I could make the case that without Dell’s contributions, the Long Center might not be here.”

Big buildings and venues like Dell Children’s Medical Center and the Dell Diamond are obvious, but it is hard to pass through central Texas without coming across something that Dell has helped sponsor.

A significant branch of his philanthropy was geared towards the LGBT community.

Out Youth is an organization that provides services to teenagers and helps educate about LGBT issues in schools.

Two years ago, they received a $20,000 contribution from Dell

“Without people like Michael and Susan, this organization could not continue,” said Out Youth chairperson Carla Contreras.

A financial analyst told KXAN that despite the buyout which will make Dell Inc. a privately owned company, it would not necessarily hinder the Dell’s ability to give.

Dell Inc and the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation are two separate entities and the foundation’s funding and structure should remain largely unchanged.