COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
At M2L, our commitment to making better places goes well beyond the projects we take on. Whether it’s contributing financially to worthy causes, helping the underserved, or lending our time and expertise to a new philanthropic endeavor, we value getting involved and giving back to the neighborhoods and communities where we work and live. Here are some of the causes we’re proud to support.
See M2L Actively Engaged in the Community
AIA & La Izquierda Galveston Sandcastle Festival
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Sandcastle Competition is the premier fundraising event for AIA Houston and ArCH Foundation as well as a top tourist draw and revenue generator for the City of Galveston. One of the country’s largest amateur sandcastle competitions, the event gathers architecture, engineering and design experts to bring their talents and creativity to the beach, each year competing for overall honors and in themed categories. Funds raised benefit AIA education and awareness initiatives to demonstrate the importance of architecture and urban design in improving the quality of life in and around Houston. In 2024, AIA partnered with La Izquierda to bring a full slate of musicians and entertainment across a two-day festival.
M2L Associates has been involved with the AIA sandcastle competition for almost two decades, by participating on organizing committees, joining design or engineering partners on sandcastle teams, and more recently, as a Gold Bucket sponsor. Says M2L’s Malinali Jimenez, currently serving on the organizing team: “M2L has a long legacy of connection and collaboration with the architecture community through this fun and impressive event. I’m honored to represent M2L on the organizing committee and appreciate all the professionals who bring their talents and commitment to this festival.”
Miracle League and YMCA Adaptive Sports Programs
Adaptive sports programs and Miracle League baseball provide children and adults with disabilities the opportunity to play sports in a safe, fun environment by providing special fields, courts and training “buddies” to help along the way. The Miracle League first came to Houston at the Langham Creek Family YMCA in 2013 when three Cypress dads came together to raise funds and raise awareness of the importance of bringing baseball to all children. Since then and thanks to continuing corporate and volunteer support, the Miracle League has grown to multiple fields and sports across Houston and serves as a showcase for other Miracle Leagues and adaptive sports programs across the country.
M2L has supported the Miracle League since 2019, both financially and by volunteering to mentor and support program athletes. Lynn Mauer, M2L Associates principal and chief financial officer, says when she first heard about the Miracle League in our area, she knew M2L had to be involved. “We’re strong believers in the wellness benefits of parks and outdoor spaces, so we were immediately drawn to the Miracle League’s mission to bring these same benefits to more kids and families. Athletics and team sports have been a huge positive influence in our M2L families, so we also wanted to see more Houston kids play, grow and build self-esteem through sports.”
CHRISTUS Foundation for HealthCare
The CHRISTUS Foundation for HealthCare provides primary healthcare and related services to the underserved and uninsured people of all faiths, ages and cultures in the greater Houston–Galveston area. The foundation provides care through seven programs that address primary and mental healthcare through stationary clinics, mobile clinics, school clinics and homeless resources.
M2L supports this worthy organization through the City of Houston Parks Department CMC Annual Golf Tournament, solely benefiting the CHRISTUS Foundation for HealthCare programs. Last year’s event raised more than $21,000, equivalent to 580 patient visits at CHRISTUS St. Mary’s clinic or 1,750 mobile clinic health screenings. ”It’s a pleasure for M2L to come together with our friends and colleagues at the Houston Parks Department for a day of fun and competition on the links,” M2L Principal Michael Mauer says. “As a firm we value and promote health and well-being and appreciate the many CHRISTUS Foundation programs that bring important health and wellness services to anyone in need.”
TreeFolks
Austin-based TreeFolks empowers Central Texans to build stronger communities through planting and caring for trees. Accomplishing its mission through a combination of community building, education, reforestation and growing the urban forest, TreeFolks engages volunteers and resources to plant trees in public parks, preserves and schools; restore forests after natural disasters like flooding and forest fires; and promotes growth of the urban forest with free educational opportunities for all ages and tree giveaways for qualifying Austinites in the urban core.
Taking the lead with M2L’s support of TreeFolks is Austin office director Kenny Jones, who’s been involved with the organization since 2023, volunteering his time and expertise in service of the organization’s prolific project opportunities. “As greater Austin and the Texas Hill Country deal with explosive population growth and competing infrastructure needs, communities are challenged to keep tree preservation and planting at the forefront of their planning and development goals,” Jones says. “I love that TreeFolks gives people of every age fun and easy opportunities to make a meaningful difference in keeping Austin environmentally healthy and sustainable for generations to come.”
M2L BY THE NUMBERS
