Business Owner Leads By Example and Raises Thousands for Education in Ellis County
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December 22nd, 2025
Business Owner Leads By Example and Raises Thousands for Education in Ellis County
For Doug Hunt, “back to school” isn’t just a date on the calendar—it’s a reminder of how much the community matters, especially its students and teachers. As a longtime supporter of the Red Oak ISD Education Foundation, Doug finds meaningful ways to stay involved throughout the year.
As the owner of Access Self Storage, Doug supports education in Red Oak through the Education Foundation’s annual “Handbags for Hawks” fundraiser—a spring event that draws a crowd for a lively night of designer handbag bingo. For years, he has been the event’s Louis Vuitton raffle sponsor, personally covering the cost of the coveted prize. But Doug doesn’t just write a check. He shows up, sells raffle tickets, works the event, and rallies others to get involved.
“Doug doesn’t just support us financially—he’s in the room, talking to people, selling tickets,” said Karen Anderson, Executive Director of the Red Oak ISD Education Foundation. “His energy is a big part of why this event does so well. He leads by example, and people respond to that.”
The 2025 "Handbags for Hawks" event was the most successful to date, raising over $61,000. The funds directly support the Education Foundation's "Grants for Great Ideas" program. These classroom and campus-wide grants are awarded to educators who bring innovative, hands-on projects into Red Oak schools. Past grant proposals include classroom technology, interactive materials, outdoor learning tools, expert-led workshops, and even equipment for student take-home kits, all designed to challenge students and deepen learning across grade levels.
Beyond sponsoring events, Hunt regularly uses his Access Self Storage marquee on Ovilla Road to spotlight community achievements, local church events, and school district news. Doug often offers his vacation home as a prize for local charity auctions in Ellis County, which has helped raise a significant amount of money for area organizations.
Doug is also TSSA’s Charitable Fundraising Chair and works tirelessly each year to help raise funds to help support Shriners Children’s Texas. He not only donates funds to this worthy cause, but he also solicits donations from TSSA’s membership and donates silent and live auction items that have raised a ton of money throughout the years.
"Doug truly cares about this community," Anderson said. "He loves seeing good things happen in Red Oak, and he puts real effort into making them happen."
With another school year just around the corner, the Red Oak ISD Education Foundation encourages residents to follow Doug's lead and lend their support. Events like golf tournaments, teacher recognition efforts, and the annual handbag bingo night make a meaningful difference for Red Oak students and teachers.
The Red Oak ISD Education Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing educational resources through classroom grants, student scholarships, and teacher recognition programs, directly benefiting local students and educators