The Community Foundation of San Saba County, Inc. was organized in 2007 as a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization, dedicated to the enhancement of community life in San Saba County through programs, activities and facilities in support of education, recreation, culture, historic preservation, literacy and art. Originally, the Foundation was managed by a 12-member board of directors. Currently, the board consists of 29 San Saba County property and business owners.
With past donations, along with proceeds from the organization's annual Catkins Ball, the Foundation has been able to contribute funds and manpower to a number of worthwhile causes. These include the restoration of the historic Estep-Burleson building (sometimes call the Burden Hotel) on the courthouse square, the San Saba County Annex (formerly the City National Bank building on Wallace Street), helping to preserve the Wedding Oak tree, restore and remodel the Garden Club building (an 1875 era grist mill in Mill Pond Park), construct native rock retaining wall around the pavilion in Mill Pond Park and convert the old Menchaca service station into a visitors Center with sorely needed public restrooms at the corner of High Street (Hwy 16) and Commerce Street.
In 2022, the owners of Flem-ing Springs Ranch approached the Foundation about joining forces with the San Saba Polo Club to conduct a polo match fundraiser to replace the old county show barn. The existing facility is well over 50 years old and totally inadequate. Over $250,000 has been raised over the first three events. In addition to some matching funds from the Foundation, Fleming Springs ranch has contributed significant resources in hosting the event and sponsoring the teams. The 4th Annual Ellenburger Cup Polo Match will be held September 6th.
In order to make a new facility more valuable to the entire county, it is being planned as a multi-purpose building which can be used year-round for events and activities for the county, as well as attract more visitors. A couple of different city/county owned locations with significant infrastructure already in place are under consideration, and the Foundation is actively working with an array of stakeholders in the county to coordinate the planning, development and maintenance of this facility for the long term benefit of all in San Saba County. This will not be a privately owned and managed facility.
Submitted by Jim Farley