The CITYPAK Project – led by co-founder of international booking agency Monterey International, Ron Kaplan - will visit Austin during the SXSW Music Conference to distribute backpacks to local area homeless. Working together with exclusive manufacturing partner High Sierra – and with the financial support of Austin-based business donors SXSW, GSD&M, Monterey International, AEG, and High Road Touring – 1750 custom-designed CITYPAKs will reach Austin-area homeless in need.

A formal distribution of 1000 CITYPAKs will be hosted at ARCH at 1 PM (new time) on Wednesday, March 12 during SXSW.  Homeless clients of local organizations Caritas, Family Eldercare, Foundation for the Homeless, Salvation Army, Trinity Center, and Front Steps will be at the event to receive thePAKs. Complete distribution event details are included below.  The remaining 750 CITYPAKs will be distributed via the individual organizations during the second part of 2014.

The CITYPAK Project is a not-for-profit philanthropic organization that works to provide custom designed backpacks to homeless persons in need. Founded in 2012 by Chicago businessman/philanthropist Ron Kaplan, The CITYPAK Project in partnership with international adventure gear manufacturer, High Sierra, have distributed over 6000 PAKs in Chicago, Illinois; Boulder, Colorado; and Maui, Hawaii.  Soon after the Austin event, The CITYPAK Project heads to Boston, Massachusetts for a June distribution, with additional 2014 distribution plans already in the works.

“I visit Austin regularly for business and pleasure,” says Kaplan. “I’m lucky to have a great network of business colleagues in the area who are willing to support this important cause.” Darrin Klein, Director of Special Projects for SXSW explains, "We are fortunate that Ron has decided to focus his noble efforts on our city. This is such a unique concept and SXSW is honored to participate to help our fellow citizens in need."

“We don’t pretend that it’s any kind of solution to the complex issue of homelessness,” Kaplan continues. “But it’s something we can do to make a small difference for individuals who are in this difficult situation.  In addition, it provides an opportunity to continue the important dialogue about how our communities can best help our homeless neighbors.”

Kaplan found support from High Sierra and their design team who, after consulting with homeless people about their specific gear needs, custom-designed the CITYPAK to provide a dignified solution for carrying their belongings. The unique design features a high-capacity main storage compartment, anti-theft loops, and a hide-away poncho designed to keep both the bag and its wearer dry. In addition, a synch-top closure offers extra waterproofing and a ballistic nylon outer shell strong enough to combat the elements.

“We are proud to partner with The CITYPAK Project and lend our design expertise to such a worthwhile cause,” said Dawn Sicco, Vice President and General Manager, High Sierra. “We wholeheartedly support Ron’s mission to empower the homeless as they face ever-changing circumstances in cities across the U.S.”

The CITYPAK Project encourages its local distribution partners to create programs that use the donatedCITYPAKs as incentives for their homeless clients.  Participating Austin organizations are using a voucher system that offers CITYPAK eligibility to clients who partake in their services; the voucher system encourages homeless in need to engage with organizations and better utilize the resources available to them.

Kaplan works as the co-founder music-booking agency Monterey International with a roster that includes Van Morrison, Bonnie Raitt, Los Lobos, Trampled by Turtles, and Buddy Guy.  He started CITYPAKbecause of a simple desire to help homeless in need.  Kaplan explains, “It really was a simple thought: wouldn’t a good, sturdy backpack help make life on the streets a little bit easier?”  Today, Ron is using his relationships to create a nationwide movement within the entertainment industry, and beyond, to help grow CITYPAK.

The public is encouraged to donate to the initiative anytime at www.citypak.org.

Details on the Austin distribution event are as follows:

Wednesday, March 12 @ 1:00PM

ARCH - 500 East 7th Street, Austin

Learn more at www.citypak.org. See The CITYPAK Project in the Chicago Tribune and on MSNBC Live.