Community Spotlight: Livermore Aquacowboys Raise Funds for Open Heart Kitchen

Livermore Aquacowboys: Doing Laps for a Good Cause

The Livermore Aquacowboys (LAC) swim team recently held their 2025 Swimathon fundraiser, and the event raised more than $10,000 to support Open Heart Kitchen. The Swimathon was organized by LAC members, with nearly 8,000 laps swum by 87 participating swimmers! The LAC raised the second-highest amount of money by any group who have participated in Open Heart Kitchen’s virtual fundraising campaigns. 

First hitting the water in 2007 with only 13 swimmers, the Livermore Aquacowboys has grown to over 300 members. Recognized as one of the top swim teams in the region, LAC has reached USA Swimming Silver medal status (as one of the Top 50 teams in the Nation), placed two swimmers on the U.S. National Swim Team, had multiple swimmers compete in Olympic Trials finals, and has seen many athletes go on to college teams.

“We started this program in 2007 with the mission of using swimming to create leaders in our community," said Alex Silver, LAC Head Swim Coach & CEO. "I’m happy to see the outstanding humans who have come through this program. Some of the most amazing people you would ever meet have come through this program, and I am proud that LAC has been able to play a small role in their development into great contributing members of society. Our annual fundraising swimathon is a great chance for young people to see how powerful they are when they put their minds and hearts together to work for a cause that brings benefit to the greater community.”

Livermore Aquacowboys – Giving Back to the Community 

For nearly 20 years, the LAC has helped mold new leaders who positively impact our community. The team has raised money for several local charities, organized toy drives, and collected shoes for those in need.

"We chose to fundraise for Open Heart Kitchen because we know there is an increasing need in our community, and we wanted to give back to the community that has supported us throughout the years we’ve been living and growing up here," said Cassie Clark, an LAC Senior. 

“Open Heart Kitchen is grateful to be part of a community that recognizes that the strength of every neighborhood lies in its willingness to make a positive difference in the lives of those who are under-resourced and just trying to make ends meet”, said John Bost, Executive Director for Open Heart Kitchen. “The commitment of the Livermore Aquacowboys swim team to support Open Heart Kitchen’s work in the Tri-Valley represents the very best of our community, and it gives me great hope to know that the world we all live in rests in the generous, capable, and compassionate hands of our youngest generations.”

Support Open Heart Kitchen Out of the Pool

Open Heart Kitchen is lucky to have the support of groups across the Tri-Valley, like the Livermore Aquacowboys. We invite you and your group – whether it be a club, co-workers, schoolmates, or just family or friends – to help us make a meaningful difference in the lives of our neighbors facing hunger. Support from groups like the LAC will help us provide nourishing meals, essential resources, and hope to individuals and families in need. 

Funds raised at events like the 2025 Swimathon ensure that no one goes hungry. Organizing a virtual fundraiser is a powerful way to bring people together and raise awareness about food insecurity and Open Heart Kitchen’s mission of addressing the issue. 

With your help, Open Heart Kitchen can reach new audiences and expand our impact. Together, we can fight hunger and build a future where everyone has access to nutritious food and a sense of hope. 

Contact us now to learn more about how you can get involved and make a lasting difference. Even out of the pool.