GivingCity Austin #5 by GivingCity Austin

“Each of us starts from what the others built.” Sandy Alcalá, President, The Junior League of Austin

GivingCity THE GUIDE TO DOING GOOD IN AUSTIN

BEST DESK EVER Below is a photo of the built-in desk my husband made out of the 1978 time capsule that was a wetbar in our home. What was once smoked-glass shelves and flocked wallpaper over faux marble countertop is now the sleek, well lit workspace where I spent a few years making the first four issues of GivingCity Austin, mostly in the middle of the night. Desks aren’t usually so special to me, but that one is. The next few desks are a blur, until you get to the one where I sit today at the Austin Community Foundation — my new favorite desk. What an amazing difference it makes to have the support of an organization as prestigious as ACF. Ken Gladish, MariBen Ramsey, the ACF staff and the entire board, especially Kerry Tate, are incredibly generous to host and sponsor GivingCity Austin. But between you and me, they have nothing to do with it. I can’t say I don’t pick their brains a little or seek out their feedback. Nor can I say we don’t have the ACF mission in mind when we come up with the content, because our missions are the same: to grow a culture of philanthropy in Austin. Other than that, ACF has its tasks and interests and we have ours. Think of this as a casual disclaimer: We’re ever so grateful to ACF for rescuing GivingCity, but the editorial decisions are solely that of GivingCity. Trust me, I know how lucky we are.

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THE MAGAZINE WHY GIVE NOW

36 “This is free speech radio. ”

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26 “We had to pull it together fast.” COVER . ........................ 26 This is the Junior League of Austin Two-thousand strong and not a socialite among them.

WHY I GIVE

Alex Winkelman ...... 22 of Charity Bash

Ahora. .......................... 70 For Juan Sanchez, equity in East Austin can’t wait.

GIVE BETTER

Update Notable . ...................... 80 Dogtoberfest ............ 06 Arthouse Reopens .. 08 The Cipher Album Release Party ............ 10 Profile ........................... 12 Andy Mormon Pennies Count .......... 16 Homegrown microdonation apps Profile ........................... 18 Torvald Hessel

FEATURES

Free Radio!.................. 36 Variety doesn’t begin to describe KOOP radio. 75ish Ways to Give.. 47 Just about every opportunity between now and 2011.

Lose the Fundraising Phobia . ........................ 82 Friends With Money........................... 84 Grassroots.................. 88 mindPOP Giving Works ............ 90 Your Donations at Work

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happening now

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DOGTOBERFEST October 23

©Nicole Mlakar Photography / www.nicolemlakarphotography.com

by Christine Cox, photos by Nicole Mlakar

“Be prepared to fall in love,” says Julie Strong, cofounder of Dogtoberfest, an annual fundraiser for eight local dog-rescue groups. Every dollar raised for the rescue groups goes to help find “forever homes” for these animals, as well as for pets’ needed surgeries, health care, food and assistance to the temporary foster parents. “Rescue work is intense. It’s an emotional job that has to be done,” says Strong. Jim Spense of KXAN will emcee a costume contest that includes a “favorite movie Character” category, and there will be wiener dog races, a silent auction, canine and human food booths and more, setting the scene for a dog festival unrivaled by any in town. Basically, if you love dogs, this is your ACL. Blair Smith, sponsor and co-owner of Dirty Dog, says last year’s event was hopping. “Seemed everyone in town with a dog was there!” GC

click here for more information about Dogtoberfest

Dogtoberfest Meet the Dogs

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ARTHOUSE REOPENS

October 24 by Dave Mauch

The Arthouse building is now as much a work of art as its contents, from the laminated glass blocks stylistically embedded in its walls to the rooftop deck, which is lit from below and features an integrated movie screen. The renovations are an inspiring success story: They are the culmination of six years of effort and a $6.6 million capital campaign that weathered the worst months of the recession. So how was a nonprofit able to raise that kind of money? According to Sue Graze, executive director of Arthouse, a majority of the funding came from private donors. “People care about our mission,” says Graze. “We consider ourselves a civic asset, like a library.”

Much like a library, Arthouse makes widespread access to its exhibitions a priority. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the renovations is that the capital campaign did not compromise this mission: Arthouse remains free to the public. Membership constitutes Arthouse’s single largest source of funding, and memberships for students, artists and educators start at just $35 a year. The new building will be opened to the public for an all-day Public Reopening Event on October 24. GC

Celebrate Arthouse’s Reopening at a Party on October 22. Tickets available for $1,000. Dinner on the roofdeck begins at 7 pm. click here to purchase tickets, learn more about arthouse

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happening now

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THE CIPHER ALBUM RELEASE PARTY October 29 by Monica M. Williams

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LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CIPHER ALBUM RELEASE PARTY

“It’s important for The Cipher to record,” says Zell Miller, III, a selfdescribed hip-hop kid from way back and artistic director of The Cipher, a nonprofit that empowers youth through hip hop and spoken word. First of all, it’s a record of their work, a way to put down what they’ve created. And secondly, he says, it’s a way to offer an alternative to the “disgusting and disappointing” hip hop on the radio. “Right now kids self-hypnotize themselves with that music,” Miller observes, “so they brainwash themselves with a lot of negativity. What happens if the kid starts listening to The Cipher, hearing all that hope? What kind of kid are we dealing with then?” As artistic director, Miller works with 15 to 20 kids each year, and it’s their job to plan for every aspect of the album: writing lyrics, selecting songs and beats, album concept, artwork, and marketing and promotions. But even without an album, it’s the rhymes, the artistic expressions of each student, that helps them identify their voice. “Once a young person finds their voice, they own something. And there’s nothing you can do to take it away from them. When you get these kids to take ownership of their voice, they have an amazing tool.” GC

INTRODUCING ANDY MORMON Say hello to the city’s new head of volunteers. by Armando Rayo, photos by Joel Salido

What does it take to engage one of the youngest, most progressive populations in the country? That’s what Andy Mormon will have to figure out. Mormon is the city’s new Chief Service Officer, a position created with funding acquired by Mayor Lee Leffingwell. With more than 6,000 nonprofits in Central Texas and a growing need for services, Mormon has his work cut out for him. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE cities of service grants 12 GivingCity

RAYO Mayor Leffingwell, you just received a Cities of Service grant. When you saw this opportunity what made you pursue it? Leffingwell I think this is a critical time, here in Austin and around the country. We have seen the effects of a pretty bad economy and how it creates more people in need. Putting more emphasis on volunteerism can help fill the gaps. The Cities of Service initiative is making incredible resources to cities like ours to promote service in the community. Ten cities originally received grants and developed a Cities of Service playbook to help people like myself duplicate what they’ve done, including tools to help us develop our own plan to use service as a strategy to meet the needs of our communities.

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RAYO The Corporation for National and Community Service publishes a report, “Volunteering in America” every year. In the last four years, Austin’s volunteer rate has been decreasing. What are your thoughts on that? LeffingweLL I’m aware of that and, frankly, I don’t know why it’s decreasing. I do not believe that there are people in this city who are just simply turning their back with apathy. I believe it is merely a matter of creating a system so that people can readily take advantage of volunteer opportunities. RAYO Andy, how did you get involved in service and volunteering? Mormon I have worked with many employee volunteer efforts through Habitat for Humanity, the United Way Drive, and mentoring programs. When my wife and I moved to Austin, one of the first organizations I volunteered for was CASA of Travis County, and that experience changed my life in a profound way. I managed about 150 volunteers. RAYO So far, who are some of the people you’ve been meeting with? Mormon It’s been a broad mix. I met 14 GivingCity

with Dan Pruett, CEO of Meals on Wheels and More; some folks at the Austin Community Foundation; UT-Austin Volunteer and Service Learning Center; St. Edward’s University; and Karen Bantuveris from Volunteer Spot. I’m also responding to the many calls that I receive and have plans to reach out to United Way, CASA of Travis County and the Austin Chamber of Commerce. RAYO How can we ensure that, in the city of Austin, we create opportunities for everyone to participate, even people living east of IH-35? Mormon I think you have to go in to a community, trusting the people that live there, involving the people that live there, and admit that you don’t have all of the answers. That’s what’s going to work for East Austin and, in fact, all of Austin. RAYO Last question: What’s the call to action? Leffingwell You can make a difference. We want you to step forward — we’ll try to make that easy for you, and do the right thing. Mormon Nonprofits, respond to the Cities of Service survey and if you’re a small nonprofit in Austin, call me and let’s connect! GC

“You have to go into a community, trusting the people that live there, involving the people that live there, and admit that you don’t have all of the answers.” GivingCity

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PENNIES COUNT by Dave Mauch

Change for change! That’s the mantra of the new microdonation aggregators — services that round up lots of small donations. Think they can’t have an impact? Nonprofits wonder if these types of apps can be a steady source of funding. Says Missy Strittmatter, president of the Austin chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, “They’re the spice, so to speak, rather than the meal. People like to make socially conscious choices, but they’re not necessarily consistent.” Here’s a round-up of Austin efforts.

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Kiimby - SOFT LAUNCH How it works Individuals sign up for a Kiimby card then shop at participating local businesses. When a customer’s purchase meets a certain amount, the business donates a percentage of the purchase to a local nonprofit. Participation Thirteen member businesses, 94 nonprofits, all Austinfocused. Individual chooses where money goes. Status Currently open. Pros Supports local business, you don’t pay for donations, individuals can opt-in to receive communications from nonprofits Cons Customer purchase amounts are high (often $50 to $100), not many member businesses yet. HelpAttack - LAUNCHED! How it works Users pledge a small amount of money to a nonprofit of their choice per Tweet. Future plans include expansion to other social networks as well as incorporating matching donations. Participation Database of 5000+ nonprofits, with more being added based on feedback. Status Launched late September, donated $377.25 so far. Pros Fun, huge nonprofit database, rewards for achievements to encourage users to give in different ways and interact as a community. Cons Donation size may be hard to gauge, nonprofits can’t contact members.

Minidonations - LAUNCHING SOON How it works Round up your purchases to the nearest dollar amount, donate the change to Minidonations. That money gets put into your giving portal, where you donate to the nonprofits of your choice. Participation Initially, all 501(c)(3)s. Plans to expand that database to non-501(c)(3) non-profits within the first few years. Status Initial release planned for late October with a giving portal, transaction implementation to come gradually. Pros Plans to implement a social giving network with nonprofit reviews, extra revenue will be deposited in to member accounts. Cons It may take awhile to get a substantial amount of participating businesses. Hotels For Hope - LAUNCHED How it works Hotels for Hope books rooms for event planners with partner hotels. After rooms are booked, partner hotels donate $1 per room, which Hotels for Hope matches. Participation Donations go to the Hotels for Hope fund, which benefits four charities: Livestrong, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, A Glimmer of Hope, and Texas Special Olympics. Status Launched in April, $9,172 raised as of this month. Pros Combines microdonations with a useful service, also matching donations. Cons Lack of options both in donation methods and nonprofit choice.

Givv - LAUNCHED! How it works You budget a monthly donation, then choose which nonprofits you want that monthly donation distributed to. Givv handles the transactions for you. Participation Anyone you like, including non-501(c)(3) organizations and individuals, though the site focuses on non-profits. Status Started in July 2009, currently handles $2,500 per month in donations. Pros Easy way to aggregate your monthly giving budget, maintains your anonymity and reduces transaction fees. Cons Nonprofits can’t contact users. GivShop - LAUNCHED! How it works GivShop offers daily deals contingent on a certain level of user participation (think Groupon), then donates half of its profits to charity. Participation Twenty local nonprofit partners, you choose which gets your donation. Status Started in September, $798 given to date. Pros You save money and get something out of your donation. Cons Deals may fall through due to lack of participation (though that has not happened yet), it’s hard to see how much you’ve donated, nonprofits can’t contact members. GC

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NIGHT VISION

Torvald Hessel thinks Austin has every right to have a planetarium. by Jesse Noyes, photos by Joel Salcido

Torvald Hessel’s fascination with the night sky began as a school boy in the Netherlands reading what he calls the “piss poor” science fiction novel “The First Ones of Rissan.” That first foray into sci-fi destined Hessel to starry career as an astrophysicist and later an educator at the Artis planetarium in Amsterdam. When Hessel immigrated to Austin, he was shocked to find a city so rich in high-tech industry bereft of a planetarium. So in 2003, he formed a board to pursue the idea of building one. The board came up with an ambitious, $60 million plan for not only a planetarium, but also a learning center and science museum planted near Austin’s downtown. Today, Hessel, the executive director of the project, says the planetarium is within reach with more than $500,000 raised and a location in the offing. Hessel took some time to talk with us about why Austin needs a planetarium, how long it might take to start building one and what you can do to help. GivingCity

CONNECT

GC What would be unique about the Austin Planetarium? TH The unique thing is that Austin is the largest city in the United States without a planetarium. There are 13 planetariums in the Dallas/Fort Worth area alone and the closest is Killeen. We can do it right and we don’t have any competition. GC Couldn’t people just drive to those other planetariums? TH The problem is people don’t. People just don’t drive that far for the experience. What are the chances that a school is going to secure a school bus to go God-knows-where? We truly have a local need that is not being answered. GC Yes, but Austin is pursuing a Formula One racing track. Folks want better museums. The city doesn’t have a real zoo. What makes a planetarium so important? TH You could ask that same question of any of those, and eventually nothing gets built. Yes, we as a community have a wish list. But this is something we can do in 2012 or 2013, so let’s do this. It’s not that I am trashing other ideas. It’s [that this is] an idea that very much fits with how Austin identifies itself. GC Do you think space and space exploration has lost some of its luster? 20 GivingCity

TH Among adults, potentially yes. Among kids, I would say you should talk to them, because their answer is “no.” A study was done [among fourth-graders] in Houston. They found if you combine classroom learning with experience at a planetarium there was an 11 percent increase in students interested in science as a career. Our own children are asking for science education and we don’t have a place to take them for that. GC You originally wanted to break ground in 2012 and open doors in 2014. Is that still doable? TH It’s very aggressive. Right now we’re waiting on that land. All of the pieces of the puzzle are there, but there are a lot of unknowns. You never know what happens, but we’re staying positive. GC Can we help get the planetarium off the ground? TH Right now we are looking for funds for operational costs. We have employees who need to eat. Soon we will be launching memberships, which will be $25 for individuals, $50 for family and $1,000 for corporations. And people can go to our website and subscribe to our newsletter. To say we have 10,000 subscribers makes a huge impact. GC learn more about the Austin Planetarium

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why i give

natural leader

Alex Winkelman describes why creating Charity Bash came so easily. photos by Owen Laracuente

Some people call me a professional volunteer, not because I get paid for the work I do, but rather because I commit so much of my time to it ... when I could be spending these years living as a traditional college student, traveling for semesters abroad and having a relaxing summer job. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get me wrong; I spend plenty of time having fun, but philanthropy and volunteering are what I enjoy most. GivingCity

why i give

Volunteering and being involved in philanthropy come naturally to me. I crave these activities and can’t seem to stay away. There have been times when I have needed breaks, but then I come across an amazing opportunity to make a change, to make a difference in the world, whether big or small. I have a responsibility to act. Growing up in a Jewish home — with strong traditions and values based on acts of kindness, leaving the world a better place than we found it, and always giving a percentage of our income or resources to the needy — helped create who I am today. Luckily, I was raised with many family members and community leaders who set an example for me by volunteering. As the founder and executive director of CharityBash, I have the opportunity every day to inspire and influence others to be more philanthropic. Everyone is raised on different traditions, values and morals, some based on philanthropy more than others. Many people do not see why they should give. Others do not know how to give. Some do not think their donations of time or money will really make a difference. I’m here to say giving is easy, helpful ... and necessary. No matter where you are in life, there will always be someone less fortunate than yourself. Therefore, there 24 GivingCity

will always be opportunities to help. Whether you do something small, such as give someone $5 to buy lunch, or something more impactful like volunteer your time to build someone a home, it could mean the world to an individual or family in need. And you, as the giver, will feel positive about the action, bringing it full circle. One of the most important things I have learned while volunteering is that

“One of the most important things I have learned while volunteering is that every action involved in philanthropy is crucial.”

every action involved in philanthropy is crucial. With CharityBash, we provide philanthropic opportunities that most people find easy to participate in. Our monthly fundraisers cost only $10 or $20 to attend. And when hundreds of people come together, each giving that small amount, it can add up to thousands of dollars. That amount of money can pay for underprivileged students to go to camp, help families to

live in a safe home, or pay for hundreds of animals to be rescued. Philanthropy, the desire to improve the well being of humankind, should be something we all wish for and work for. Everyone can be a philanthropist. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about taking action on your own level. And workig together with others to make a world of difference. GC learn more about CHARITY BASH

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By Monica M. Williams Photography by Joel Salcido

Two thousand Austinites strong, and not a socialite among them.

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on’t ever call a member of The Junior League of Austin a “Junior Leaguer.” That’s a much too delicate term for them. Because if women and, especially, working mothers, volunteer more hours than any other demographic group, then JLA members must be superwomen. Because each year each member pays $200 for the privilege of volunteering a total of 70 to 100 hours a year or 2 to 3 hours a week. Minimum. To even become a member, a “provisional” has to work 100 volunteer hours in her first year. Up until last year, that meant working in The JLA Resale Shop. But in May 2009, JLA made the difficult decision to close the shop, permanently. The biggest factor being that they couldn’t staff it: too many provisionals had full-time jobs. “We just couldn’t keep it open,” says current JLA president, Sandy Alcalá. “It was not a good fit in meeting the mission for our members, and their volunteer experience was very stressful.” Up to 80 percent of the provisionals have had full-time jobs during the week, Alcalá says, and competition for the weekend shifts was getting fierce. At the same time, JLA membership was growing. In fact, the newest provisional class has a record 193 women. Add that to 748 active members and 1,245 sustainers, and it amounts to one of the largest Junior Leagues in the country. But now JLA leadership had another problem: what to do about these 147 women who needed 100 volunteer hours? “We had no time for studies and feedback,” says Alcalá. “We had to pull some28 GivingCity

There isn’t a single former JLA president who doesn’t have a notable resume. These five former presidents happen to have achieved their success in service and philanthropy. 1. SANDY ALCALÁ is the current JLA president and the executive director of Con Mi Madre. 2. MARIBEN RAMSEY was president from 2000-2001, served on the AJLI Board of Directors and is currently interim president and CEO of the Austin Community Foundation. 3. COOKIE RUIZ was president from 1995-1996, was immediate past Chair of the national Board of Trustees of Dance/USA and is currently executive director of Ballet Austin. 4. PAM WILLEFORD was president from 1987-1988 and served as the United States Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein between 2003 - 2006. 5. LAURA WOLF was JLA president from 2005-2006 and is currently executive director of CASA of Travis County.

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Junior g League thing together fast.” Here’s where JLA leadership proved its mettle. Focusing on the growing problem of childhood hunger, JLA designed a new program that would send needy children home with a backpack of food every weekend. So it partnered with Del Valle Independent School District and Baty Elementary, where 97 percent of the students are eligible for free or reduced lunch. “We know from a food bank study that that hunger can

affect a child’s ability to learn,” says Alcalá, “So creating this program helps serve that need, and serves the needs of our provisionals, as well.” In the first year of the FIT or Food in Tummies program, JLA provisionals spent evenings organizing the food, stuffing the backpacks and making sure one was available for each child by the end of the school week. By the end of the 2009-2010 school year, the FIT program provided $100,000 worth of food to some 825 children. Not only that, the FIT program played an important role in expanding JLA member recruitment and by nearly 30 percent. “That’s the power of what these women can do,” says Alcalá. GivingCity

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We almost lost Palmer. How JLA, once again, came to the rescue. In 1998, it looked like the city’s beloved Palmer Auditorium would be swallowed up by what eventually became the Long Center. In the tussle among the interest groups, the community almost forgot that the new arts-center proposition meant the end of a city-owned community center. Just days before city council was to give the Palmer lease away, the only people who realized what would happen were a few members of the Junior League. By losing Palmer, in effect, the city would forfeit the home of A Christmas Affair and Coats for Kids — the two signature events of the Junior League — not to mention other events like City-Wide Garage Sale, The Settlement Home Garage Sale, HEB Feast of Sharing, cat shows, conventions, concerts ... events that had brought all kinds of Austinites under a single roof. Panic-stricken, the Junior League had a special meeting with thenCity Council Member Gus Garcia. He agreed to allow the League to make a plea to save Palmer...but they didn’t have much time.

Unfortunately, that’s exactly what the Junior League needed. So while they took Garcia up on his offer, they planned a large-scale postcard campaign to ask city council to delay its decision: Two days before the city council meeting, every Junior League member was given six postcards, each in a different color. She was to mail one to each city council member in time for them to reach their mailboxes before the decision. Almost all 2,000 Junior League participated. It worked. City council gave them more time to prepare their case, so that when their slot came up, the Junior League had organized more than 300 people to speak. The city conceded there might be a need to replace Palmer Auditorium, and offered to have a bond election. The Junior League accepted their offer, and when the plan was put to voters, it won 63 to 37 percent. The new Palmer Events Center opened in 2002. “It was wild. It was fun,” says Ramsey. “Even better because it worked out. This was a much better solution for the whole community.”

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Getting In “The Junior League is not about who you are or who your parents are,” says Michele Malooly, chair of the public relations committee this year. “It’s about what you want to do.” There’s no secret handshake, no paddle. Basically, says Alcala, “If you want to volunteer and you can get through the provisional class, you should be in Junior League.” • Must be 25-40 • Must be a resident of Austin at least one of the past five years • Must have an active member as a sponsor or enter through sponsor pool • Must complete 12-month provisional course that includes volunteering at A Christmas Affair and Coats for Kids • Must attend general and provisional meetings and attend events • Ready to be a member? Learn more here.

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And This is The Junior League Supporting +250 projects in +75 years. Projects created and run by JLA: ABC Grants Breast Cancer Education for Teens Coats for Kids Community Assistance Fund Con Mi Madre Done-in-a-Day Emergency and Disaster Fund FIT (Food in Tummies) The Junior League of Austin Playhouse Singers Spanish Immersion “Si” Sponsorship Fund UT String Project Projects receiving JLA contributions of grants and/or volunteers (20102011 Projects in bold): Adult Services Council AIDS Services of Austin Always Wanted a Riding Experience (AWARE) American Diabetes Association Animal Trustees of Austin Any Baby Can Art Appreciation Lectures Arts Council Arthouse at the Jones Center Association for Retarded Citizens Austin Area Branch of the Orton Dyslexia Society Austin Area Garden Council Austin Area Interreligious Ministries Austin Center for Attitudinal Healing Austin Child Guidance Center

Austin Children’s Museum Austin Children’s Shelter Austin Community Gardens Austin Community Nursery Austin Community Television Austin Comprehensive Hospice Program Austin Council for Children with Learning Disabilities Austin Drug Abuse Program Austin EMS/Star Flight Austin Evaluation Center Austin Family House Austin Film Festival Austin Film Society Austin Groups for the Elderly Austin Habitat for Humanity Austin Heritage Foundation Committee Austin High School Austin History Center Austin Humane Society Austin Independent School District Austin Lyric Opera Austin Medical Advisory Committee of the March of Dimes Austin Metropolitan Trails Council Austin Nature Center Austin Parks Foundation The Austin Project The Austin Public Library Foundation Austin Rape Crisis Center Austin Smiles Austin State School Austin Symphony Orchestra Austin-Travis County Collection Austin-Travis County Shelter Austin Women’s Center

Austin Winter Music Festival Austin YMBL Sunshine Camp Austin YWCA Ballet Austin Bicentennial Slide Show Big Brothers/Big Sisters Bob Bullock Museum Boys’ Club of Austin Brackenridge Hospital Brackenridge Hospital/The Seton Fund Breast Cancer Resource Center of Austin Bryant House Campfire, Inc./Balcones Council Capitol Area Easter Seal Society Capitol Area Food Bank Capitol Area Volunteer Center Capitol Restoration Project Capitol Theatre Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Caritas of Austin CASA of Travis County The Center for Child Protection Center for the Development of the NonFormal Education (CEDEN) Center for Women and Their Work Cerebral Palsy Center Child Abuse Media Presentation Child Assault Prevention Project (CAPP) Children’s Diabetes Camp of Central Texas Children’s Medical Center Foundation Christopher House College Forward Colorado River Foundation Communities in Schools Community Christmas Program Community Council

Consumer Credit Counseling Corporate Child Development Fund Corporate/Volunteer Program CASA Discovery Hall Dispute Resolution Center Dress for Success Austin Easter Seals of Central Texas Educational Television El Buen Samaritano Episcopal Center Elisabet Ney Museum The Errand Service, Inc Extend-a-care Faith in Action Caregivers - West Austin Family Eldercare, Inc. The Family Place For the Love of Christi Foundation Communities Friends of the Parks Galindo Elementary School Girl Scouts-Lone Star Council Grantsmanship Seminar Heritage Society of Austin Homemaker Service Hospice Austin Humane Society of Austin and Travis County Jack S. Blanton Museum of Art (formerly Huntington Art Gallery) Junior Achievement Junior Great Books Juror Education Brochures KRLU – Capitol of Texas Public Telecommunications Council Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Laguna Gloria Art Museum Leadership Austin League House-Seton Hospital Leather Breeches LifeWorks: Alliance of Youth and Family Services Literacy Austin

Long Center for the Performing Arts March of Dimes Mary Lee Foundation Meals on Wheels and More Middle Earth Unlimited Mobile Loaves & Fishes Mother’s Milk Bank at Austin North Loop Library Omnibus Paramount Theatre for the Performing Arts Parenting Project Partnership for Austin Children in Crisis Pebble Project The People’s Community Clinic Personal Awareness and Responsibility for Teens Planned Parenthood Playhouse Singers Prevent Blindness Texas Pre-School Hearing Center Presbyterian Children’s Home and Services Project Fine Arts The Rise School R.O.C.K. Ride on Center for Kids Ronald McDonald House SafePlace St. David’s Community Hospital Salado House Texas Youth Commission Senior Citizen’s Guide Services for the Elderly Seton East Community Healthy Center The Seton Fund Settlement Home State Preservation Board Successfully Senior Teenage Parent Council Teenage Volunteer Program Texas Agricultural Extension Service Texas Council on Family Violence

Texas Dept of Mental Health and Mental Retardation Texas Dept of Protective and Regulatory Services Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid The Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired Texas Unit for Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic TexARTS Association for Visual and Performing Arts The ARC of Capital Area The RISE School The University of Texas Town Lake Beautification Travis County Adult Literacy Council Travis County Child Protective Services Travis County Juvenile Home Tutorial Project for Children with Learning Disabilities Umlauf Sculpture Garden United Way/Capital Area Volunteer Leadership Training Center Walnut Creek Elementary We Care Austin Welfare Orientation West Austin Caregivers Westcave Preserve Wild Basin Wilderness Park Women’s Advocacy Project YMCA Teen Court Zachary Scott Theatre Zavala Elementary School Zilker Theatre Productions VISIT THE JLA ONLINE

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10. Clare Hudspeth

18. Nancy Edsel

2. Morgen Hardin

11. MariBen Ramsay

19. Nancy Prideaux

3. Suzy Balagia

12. Regan Gammon

20. Chris Attal

4. Marilla King

13. KaLyn Laney

21. Laura Wolf

5. Emily Baker

14. Eugenia “Genie”

22. Pam Willeford

6. Libby Malone

Miller

23. Cookie Ruiz

7. Melissa Morrow

15. Diane Grant

24. Margie Cowden

8. Diane Falkenberg

16. Kristen Holland

25. Nancy Bowman

9. Kathi Haralson

17. Beth Smith

26. Sandy Alcalá

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FREE RA

Variety doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t begin to des Austin, completely nonprofit By Jesse Noyes, Photos by Owen Laracuente 36 GivingCity

ADIO!

describe this TOTALLY profit radio station. GivingCity

rom an avocado color building off of Airport Boulevard, KOOP Radio (91.7) pumps 3,000 watts of community programming. Inside past the sleek, modern studios, firedamaged soundproof doors lean against a hallway wall, remnants of the station’s difficult history. That KOOP continues to broadcast original programming every day is something of a miracle. Besides the two fires it’s endured, the scrappy station is run by just two full-time employees and more than 100 volunteers. It survives without the commercial jingles that fuel corporate radio. And its open-door policy means anyone with a dream of hosting their own radio hour can show up, volunteer and within six months get behind the mic. “This is free speech radio,” said Leah Manners, KOOP’s development director and host of the Sunday program Hip Hop Hooray. “We don’t tell them what to play, we just tell them how to.”

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“You can’t just walk into any radio station and ask to be a DJ. But put in some work at KOOP, and you’ll make it happen.” Leah Manners, Development Director and host of Hip Hop Hooray

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think people love the idea of the little station that can.â&#x20AC;? Khotan Shahbazi-Harmon, host of Idea Lounge

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“The station is the sum of all its parts, and that makes it somehow work.” Lisa Schneider, host of What’s A Girl To Do?

On a crowded FM dial where “variety” stands for automated playlists of Top 40 hits, KOOP stands out. It caters to so many niches that it can feel like it’s catering to none. Its nonprofit status means programmers can play almost anything they want. A single day of listening can lead from rockabilly to a conversation about women’s rights in the Middle East to punk rock. The on-air talent is as wildly eclectic as the programming. Young and old, the DJs are mission-minded, some seeing themselves as historians, or a voice for the marginalized, or an outlet for the ignored. Somehow that sense of purpose provides the cohesive glue that holds the varying mass together. GivingCity

listen to koop online now learn more about koop 44 GivingCity

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“Austin is exactly the kind of audience and city that thrives on KOOP’s diversity.” John Turner, host of From the Other Side of the Mirror Its volunteers that built the station back up after it suffered from fires in 2006 and 2008. For every hour of weekly programming hosts are allotted, they are expected to put three hours a month into serving the station. In the aftermath of the last fire, Manners said, volunteers carried out tasks as big as in-house engineering to literally dusting off the ashes. More than two years later, KOOP is just now capping off the recovery work. Meanwhile, its greatest need remains funding. More than half of the nonprofit’s bare-bones budget of $200,000 comes from individual donors. Manners said her greatest hope is that more people will tune in to this Austin treasure and keep the on-air sign lit. “Really the ideal is to start listening and become a member.” GC 46 GivingCity

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We found just about every opportunity to give back, between now and December 31. Pick one, pick two. Take a friend. Take your mom. Just click on the event name and go! Then send this list to everyone you know. Because in Austin, sharing is the best way to spend the holidays. By Elin Crockett

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FOR THE LADIES S’mores Soiree photo by Lili Hickman Waldon

November 6-7 at Camp Texlake This Girl Scouts of Central Texas retreat provides women with some much needed girl-time while promoting leadership in young women.

Austin Metropolitan Circle of Friends 2nd Annual American Girl Fashion Show November 7 at the Doubletree Hotel

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©Nicole Mlakar Photography / www.nicolemlakarphotography.com

This fashion show for girls and their families will showcase styles throughout the ages. Proceeds benefit the Texas Child Study Center Endowment at the Dell Children’s Medical Center.

PETS Austin Dogtoberfest 2010 October 23 at the Domain

Wiener dog races, professional puppy portraits, and a canine costume contest: Dogtoberfest 2010 is the ultimate way to help out our city’s furry friends this holiday season.

PETCO’s Howl-O-Ween Pet Cotume Contest and Treat Street

October 30 at PETCO, Hancock

click any event title to visit the website PETCO Tree of Hope

November 20-December 24 at Austin-Area PETCOs Donations at Austin area PETCOs will go directly to local shelters.

Austin Humane Society’s 5th Annual Rags 2 Wags Gala December 4 at the Four Seasons

Featuring the city’s most dapper dogs and fashionable felines, this elegant affair returns 100 percent of its proceeds to the AHS’s animal welfare programs.

Dress your family and your pets for a fun evening of trick-or-treating. Proceeds benefit local animal shelters.

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THANKSGIVING CANstruction Austin

November 13 at Barton Creek Mall This isn’t your average food drive— teams compete to build giant sculptures made entirely of canned foods, all of which are donated to the Capital Area Food Bank, just in time for Thanksgiving.

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click any event title to visit the website

Austin Area Interreligious Ministries’ Interfaith Thanksgiving Celebration November 21

Join AAIM to celebrate Austin’s religious and cultural diversity through prayer, song, and good food.

20th Annual ThunderCloud Turkey Trot November 25 at Auditorium Shores

Run in Texas’s largest five-mile race or take it easy on the onemile course, all while enjoying food, entertainment, and vendors. Proceeds benefit Caritas of Austin.

Reach out to Austin’s homeless and needy population by participating in one of the many food drives during Thanksgiving: Operation Turkey Meals on Wheels HEB Feast of Sharing Austin Apartment Association’s Doc and Gayle Young Food Drive El Buen Samaritano Hands for Hope Thanksgiving Basket Event

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SPORTS AND RECREATION Central Texas Riders Circle of Friends Angels on Wheels Motorcycle Ride October 16 at Dell Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Medical Center

This ride from the Medical Center will end at the Hill Country Galleria for a great time with lots of food and live music.

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Family Eldercare Swinging Fore Seniors Golf Tournament October 18 at the Berry Creek Country Club in Georgetown

Register online to compete in a day of golf that includes lunch and dinner buffets and benefits Austinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s elderly residents.

Armadillo Golf Rally Round the Christmas Tree December 5 at Horseshoe Bay

During Austinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beautiful fall and winter months, one of the best ways to give back to the community is by getting outside. Find your favorite way to do good in the outdoors while staying healthy with these races, runs, and walks: Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Association: Austin Memory Walk

October 16 AIDS services of Austin: AIDS Walk Austin

October 17 Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas: 11th Annual Buddy Walk

October 24 at Reunion Ranch in Georgetown

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation: Say Boo Walk to Cure Diabetes

October 31 at Mueller Lake Park Ronald McDonald House Lights of Love

December 3 Brown Santa 5K Run

December 12

click any event title to visit their website Livestrong Challenge October 23-24 in downtown Austin and Dripping Springs

A weekend-long celebration of health, the Livestrong challenge aims to inspire and encourage people affected by cancer. The event will feature the LIVESTRONG Village, a health and wellness expo, along with several different bike rides. GivingCity

PARTIES Ghoulwill Ball October 29

Dance, drink and mingle at Austin’s favorite Halloween Party. With live music by the Newsboyz, a silent auction, and a costume party, this Goodwill benefit is sure to provide for a fantastic evening.

Central Austin Circle of Friends 2nd Annual Get Lucky Casino Night

November 5 at Sullivan’s Steakhouse Get all the thrills of Vegas here in Austin while benefitting the Texas Child Study Center at Dell Children’s Medical Center. Includes appetizers, music and a silent auction. 56 GivingCity

Lake Travis Circle of Friends 6th Annual Miracles Event November 9 at Villa del Lago

Sample Lake Travis’s finest dining while supporting the Dell Children’s Medical Center. Purchase tickets online.

2nd Annual Sustainable Food Center Chef Series: Autumn Harvest November 14 at La Condesa

The city of Austin takes pride in it’s locally grown food and health-conscious community.

click any event title to visit the website

8th Annual Big Reds and Bubbles

November 18th at the Driskill Hotel Sample over 50 red wines and champagnes and munch on holiday cuisine from some of Austin’s most elite chefs at this dinner party promoting the Food and Wine Foundation.

Homeslice Carnival O’ Pizza November 20

Support local charities while feasting on Austin’s favorite pizza.

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PARADES/FAIRS Mexic-Arte Museum Presents Viva la Vida Fest: 27th Annual Dia de los Muertos October 23

Celebrate the Day of the Dead in downtown Austin. This cultural festival will benefit the Mexic-Arte Museum’s education programs and promote our city’s diversity.

Clarksville Family Fun Fest November 15

This family-oriented festival raises funds to help low income families in the Clarksville area and to restore Austin’s historical Sweet Home Baptist Church. 58 GivingCity

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31st Annual Budafest December 4-5

Venture outside the Austin city limits to Buda, where the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual Christmas festival will benefit local charities.

Clarksville Annual Christmas Fest December 20

click any event title to visit the website

Bring the kids to this Christmas-themed festival. Santa Clause will be present, along with holiday refreshments and crafts.

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TOY DRIVES/ADOPT-A-FAMILY Majic of Christmas Toy Drive starts November 26

Listen to Majic 95.5 for donation sites

Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program due date December 11

Look for Salvation Army trees set up in businesses, churches or malls to brighten an underprivileged youth’s holiday season.

Meals on Wheels: Adopt a Senior post-Thanksgiving

Support a senior citizen during the holidays by purchasing items off their wish lists.

Santa Toy Drives

Most toy drives start accepting collections in mid-November. Visit their webstes for more details. Orange Santa: University of Texas orange santa: Hutto police department Blue Santa: Austin Police Department Brown Santa: Travis County Sherriff’s Office Pink Santa

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click any event title to visit the website Marine Toys for Tots at the Domain

November 4 at The Domain Food, music and sales, all to attract your donation of toys to needy kids. Most Austin Toys-RUs stores are donation points, as well.

Holiday Wishes: Partnerships for Children Starts November

Donate Christmas presents to kids in the Child Protection Services.

Lifeworks Project Holiday Help

November 2-December 10 Adopt a family, sponsor a party, or simply donate necessities to help out needy Capitol area families during the holiday season.

CONCERT Faith in Action Caregivers Holiday Sing-A-Long

Austin Symphony Christmas Sing-A-Long

Come sing the songs of the season with the Faith in Action Caregivers. The community is invited to enjoy great performers, celebrate the holiday spirit and support a local organization dedicated to helping those unable to help themselves.

Families gather each year to get into the spirit of the season by joyfully singing along with the Austin Symphony Orchestra and chorus.

December 3 in Pflugerville

Conspirare Youth Choir Concerts

December 10-11 at St. Martin’s Lutheran Church Both youth ensembles, Kantorei and Conspirare Children’s Choir, will appear in the holiday concert titled “Awaiting.”

December at Riverbend Centre

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DONATE/VOLUNTEER KGSR Star-A-Thon benefiting the Christmas Bureau of Austin

December 11 at locations across city KGSR will broadcast live all day long from three different locations, collecting donations and adopting out families for the Christmas Bureau of Austin & Travis County.

Gifts That Matter to Support The Miracle Foundation Year round

Make a holiday donation to orphanages in India. Choose from a catalog of items like bags of book, toilets and bunk beds.

House the Homeless 9th Annual Thermal Underwear Drive Starts early November

Last year, HTH helped by providing thermal underwear to over 600 people living on the street. With your help, HTH hopes to have another successful year of helping Austin’s homeless.

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City Wide Hold Up for Easter Seals of Central Texas November 14 at stoplights across city

The University of Texas Wranglers enlist hundreds of volunteers and sends them to street corners to “hold up” passing motorists for change.

Service Austin Day by Rotary Club November 20 at projects across town

This year’s event includes projects that address a variety of community needs such as maintaining our beautiful parks, supporting the work of our schools, and caring for the less fortunate.

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FOR THE CHILDREN

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4th Annual Dancing with the Stars Austin December 5 at Hilton

Austin celebrities pair with professional dancers to perform classic ballroom moves and compete for a good cause, the Center for Child Protection. This year’s celebs include Mayor Pro Tem Mike Martinez, Wendy Topfer and Mickey Klein.

Austin Children’s Shelter A Season of Song November 6 at the Four Seasons

An intimate circle of singersongwriters features local artists Noelle Hampton, Randy Weeks, Austin Collins, John Dee Graham and Erin Ivey.

YMCA’s 22nd Annual Children’s Christmas Party December at a YMCA location

photo by Eric Hegwer

More than 500 volunteers needed to help set up, operate and close down the YMCA Children’s Christmas Party. More than 3000 children and families are expected. Volunteeer spots go quickly.

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SHOPPING Holiday Shopping Card Benefiting the American Cancer Society Buy a card for $51 and that money goes to the American Cancer Society. Then use it to get discounts at almost 100 merchants all over town.

Settlement Home Charity Garage Sale

A Christmas Affair benefitting the Junior League of Austin

The one, the only, the biggest and best garage sale in Austin. All items are donated so all proceeds go to The Settlement Home for Children. Free admission.

This year’s theme is “Enchanted,” but every year A Christmas Affair dazzles shoppers with an array of gorgeous gift items.

November 5-7 at Palmer Events Center

Armadillo Christmas Bazaar December 15-24 at Palmer Events Center

About 150 local artists get a chance to sell their creations. Your purchases support their work — and make great gifts.

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November 17-21 at Palmer Events Center

Christmas at The Caswell House benefiting Austin Junior Forum November 4-13

The beautiful Caswell House is turned upside down and inside out with the spirit of the holidays.

Giving Cards available now

Visit the Austin Community Foundation online to purchase Giving Cards to give as gifts. Recipients can then donate the Giving Card amount to the charity of their choice.

FORMAL EVENTS/GALAS The Black & White Gala

click any event title to visit the website

November 5 at the Four Seasons

Carillon Gala benefitting Conspirare

Join the Boys and Girls Clubs for this luxurious celebration of Austin’s thriving youth. Enjoy cocktails, fine dining, and performances by Suzanna Choffel and Marcia Ball.

December 6 at the Long Center The full Gala evening will also include a pre-concert dinner and a champagne & dessert after-party with the artists promptly following the concert.

Austin Smiles: Wish Upon A Smile

Project Transitions Holiday Swing

October 22

This project of the Junior League of Austin is sure to deliver a spectacular evening of entertainment featuring country stars Kelly Willis and Bruce Robison, all while raising money to provide reconstructive plastic surgery to low-income youth.

Glimmer of Hope Let There Be Hope

November 5 at AT&T Conference Center Last year’s event raised more than $1 million and helped fund clean water projects in two African villages. Attendees got to experience what life in rural Africa was really like.

December 4 at Dell Jewish Community Campus This year’s theme takes you into Art Deco luxury cruise complete with ship-style seating and decor.

Spirit of Compassion Awards November 12 at St. David’s Episcopal Church

This fundraising and celebration event will honor local leaders who have mobilized faith and other community resources to alleviate homelessness in a spirit of compassion, hope and love.

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Media on a Mission by Vicky Garza

If you’re on a nonprofit eventplanning committee, you’re going to want to get a media sponsor. For one thing, you get free ads, free spokespersons and a built-in audience for your event. Plus you get instant credibility that can be great for your nonprofit. The only downside is that other media outlets many not cover your event if they think the media sponsor’s got it covered. Still, the plusses outweigh the minuses. Here are examples of media-sponsored holiday events.

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Austin American-Statesman and Ahora Si/Season for Caring Campaign runs from December to mid-January

For 12 years, the Austin AmericanStatesman and Ahora Si’s editorial and community development departments have produced Season for Caring, a campaign that invites readers to get to know their neighbors in need. “Season for Caring is such a fulfilling way to give back to the community. It is something we all love and look forward to each year,” says Lisa Sullivan, vice president of marketing and community development. Over the years, readers have generously donated more than $5 million, including in-kind goods and services, all of which have benefited the featured families, as well as hundreds of others like them who are also being served by these agencies.

click any event title to visit the website 101X/Independent Workforce X-mas Show benefiting Habitat for Humanity Date TBD in December

“Because of the reach we have, we are able to put on a popular event in-line with our audience,” says Andres Cantu, promotions director for 101X. “We wanted to use that popularity to raise money for charities that work so hard throughout the year.” Last year, concert tickets for this benefit show with headliner Phoenix sold out in 30 minutes, raising over $10,000 for Habitat for Humanity. Then, after listeners complained that tickets, originally priced at $32, were selling on Craigslist for over $200, 101X used their power of promotion to help the nonprofit auction five pairs of extra tickets on eBay. The station figured that if people were willing to pay much more than the original price, the extra money might as well go to a good cause. Those five tickets raised an additional $12,000 for the charity. 101X is still working with concert organizer C3 Presents to finalize this year’s lineup.

Austin Chronicle and KGSR Austin Empty Bowl Project benefiting the Capital Area Food Bank November 21 at MexicanAmerican Cultural Center

Thanks in part to the media promotions, over 2,000 people participated in last year’s event and raised over $71,000 for the Capital Area Food Bank’s Kids Café Program. “We are a locally owned company and we do our best to give back to the community that has kept us in business for 30 years,” says Erin Collier, Marketing Director for the Austin Chronicle.

KTBC Fox 7/Lights of Love 5K benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities December 3, Mueller Hangar

A family-fun run or walk along lit streets through the Mueller neighborhood, with a hot chocolate stop along the way. Santa and Ronald McDonald are for holiday photos. “The holidays are a time of sharing,” says Rob Cunningham, Community Relations Director. “We do this in the spirit of giving back.”

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KVUE-TV and KASE101/ Coats for Kids

Coat Drive: November 15 – Wednesday, December 1, at any Austin-area Jack Brown Cleaners location Distribution Day: December 11, Palmer Events Center For 26 years, KVUE-TV, KASE101 FM, and Jack Brown Cleaners have partnered with the Junior League of Austin to collect coats for about 30,000 underprivileged youth in Central Texas. Throughout the Coat Drive, the KASE Morning Crew and KVUE’s Mark Murray will remind listeners to clean out their closets and drop off warm winter coats at any local Jack Brown Cleaners. “KVUE is proud to serve the needs of our community in this way,” says Mark Willenborg, KVUE creative services and marketing director. “We feel it is part of our central mission as a television station and as good neighbors.”

KVET 98.1 FM/Blue Santa Breakfast benefiting Operation Blue Santa December 3

KVET offers live music and a free breakfast to anyone who brings a new unwrapped toy to their annual Blue Santa Breakfast. Disc jockeys Bucky & Bob and friends broadcast live all morning long to raise funds 68 GivingCity

and encourage people to come out. Donations benefit Operation Blue Santa, a charitable outreach program of the Austin Police Department. “Involvement in county leadership is very important. We work with the police chief to collect toys for Central Texas children who can’t afford them,” says Whitney Bond, KASE Promotions Director.

KUT-FM 90.5/Holiday Sing-Along and Downtown Stroll benefiting Caritas December 4 on south steps of the Texas State Capitol The Holiday Sing-Along and Downtown Stroll is a free annual event presented by KUT-FM, the Austin NPR affiliate, in partnership with the Downtown Austin Alliance. It starts with a sing-along at the south steps of the capitol led by KUT Eklektikos show host John Aielli, followed by the lighting of the Capitol Christmas tree, decorated by a Central Texas artist. For the past six years, participants have been asked to bring a donation of canned food to benefit Caritas, which offers housing, food, education and employment services to homeless and low-income individuals. “It is something we do for the community and downtown businesses to remind people how great Austin is,” says Sylvia Carson, KUT Marketing Director.

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KEYE-TV and KISS FM/ Chuy’s Children Giving to Children Parade benefiting Operation Blue Santa November 27, Downtown Austin

Started in 1989 by Chuy’s co-owner Mike Young, the Children Giving to Children Parade is a large moving toy drive that marches through downtown Austin, complete with giant inflatable balloons, festive holiday floats, and marching bands. Spectators are asked to bring a toy to donate, which will be picked up by parade and dropped off at Blue Santa Headquarters. “We are constantly looking for new ways to reach the Austin community and make a difference with our listeners,” says Abby Ferguson, KISS Promotions Director.

L Style G Style/Fur Festival benefiting Animal Trustees of Austin November 14

“Pets are commonly the LGBT community’s kids,” says Alisa Weldon, L Style G Style Publisher. That’s why a Fur Festival is such a great fit. The inaugural festival will focus on the health and wellness of animals and feature activities for both “furry kids” and human children. LSGS will be collecting donations of money, pet food and supplies at the event.

Tribeza/A Season of Song Gala benefiting the Austin Children’s Shelter November 6, Four Seasons Hotel

Tribeza will be the media sponsor for the Austin Children Shelter’s online silent auction and annual gala, A Season of Song. “By sponsoring the Gala, which accounts for more than a third of the funds raised throughout the Shelter’s fiscal year, we are able to help the Shelter make a difference in the lives of the most vulnerable children in our community,” says Carolyn Harrold, Tribeza Event Coordinator. GC GivingCity

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Ahora. for Juan sanchez, equity for east austin canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait.

By Jessie Torrisi, Photos by Owen Laracuente GivingCity

Picture this. On March 11, 2004, more than 100 red T-shirted people from East Austin marched behind Juan Sanchez into City Hall. Sanchez – an unknown community organizer from Brownsville, by way of San Antonio, Seattle and Harvard University – wanted $1 million. “I want to talk to you about urgency,” Sanchez said addressing Austin City Council. “We have a term in Spanish, and the term is ahora. It means ‘the time is now.’ And the time is now for the council to do something for a community that has long been neglected.” It was not an approach city council had seen in some time. “We came on with a bang and that upset a few folks,” Sanchez recalls. “We embarrassed the city. But we figure you folks have been a little irresponsible about the unemployment and the poverty that’s here.” Johnston/Govalle residents did not get the money they wanted to build a community center that day. But they did get the city council’s attention. And Sanchez vowed – with or without the city’s help – that he would someday build something that would improve education, access to jobs and revive the cultural legacy of Latinos on the East Side. The stain of the 1930s ordinance moving Latinos and African-Americans east of I-35 hasn’t faded much. The East Side’s legacy of failing schools, a 25-percent unemployment rate and a sense of being Austin’s forgotten children remains in neighborhoods like Johnston/ Govalle. Less than a decade ago, you couldn’t find a pizza place willing to deliver here. 72 GivingCity

No matter how many condos went up or new restaurants opened along East 6th Street, Sanchez knew the problems were here to stay. It was obvious to him. Unless ... unless he could organize residents to bypass the smiling, hand-shaking indifference among city officials and jumpstart change themselves. Of Austin, he says, “It’s liberal as long as you maintain the status quo. As long as it’s still white people in charge, as long as you go along with what exists. The minute you want to change the power structure, my experience is, that liberalism disappears very fast.”

“It’s liberal as long as you maintain the status quo. As long as it’s still white people in charge, as long as you go along with what exists.”

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From barrio to Harvard

In was 1987 when Sanchez founded Southwest Key, then headquartered in San Antonio, to help keep kids out of the juvenile justice system. From the beginning, he partnered with the juvenile justice system to create innovative programs that pulled together families and community. The idea, a new one at the time, was to create a support system around these kids, mostly Hispanic or African-American, that would put them on a path to success. The nonprofit has operating revenues of $64 million with programs in seven states, serving 6,000 youth a day. He

built it from nothing, starting from zero. Sanchez’s passion comes from his own childhood, where he was the oldest boy in a family of seven. His dad, a janitor, died when Sanchez was 14. His mom was a benevolent dictator. Sanchez got involved with a Boys’ Club program that offered boxing. He became a ranked lightweight, which, ironically, kept him off the streets and out of fights. His friends were not so lucky. Many ended up in juvie hall or jail, mostly for petty crimes. “We were kids, and we all have these great dreams about what we wanted to be when we grew up. We were gonna be astronauts and engineers and quarterbacks for the Dallas Cowboys.” It didn’t take long for that to change, he says. “The kids I grew up with began to lose that sparkle, that enthusiasm they had.” At first, Sanchez planned to become a probation officer so he could help kids before

Inside the East Austin College Prep Academy

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Seattle to study social work and Harvard to get his Ph.D. in education. “I started shining shoes when I was 10 years old. We’d work in the fields. We picked cotton. I realized I didn’t want to shine shoes forever. And I didn’t want my kids to either.” Southwest Key headquarters

they fell off the edge. There was one hitch. “I didn’t know how to read, I didn’t know how to write coming out of school,” he says. “I taught myself. I was so determined, I would carry a dictionary around.” He took remedial classes in San Antonio and studied sociology while at seminary, where he lasted two years before realizing the priesthood wasn’t for him. From there, he went to

The promise to East Austin

When Sanchez says “my kids,” he doesn’t mean his children. He does have three grown kids, and three-year-old twins and a five-year-old son here in Austin. When Sanchez says “my kids,” he means all of them. He means the 170 students next door on this,

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the second day of school. He means any child who’s ever come through the door for one of his programs. What happened was this: Sanchez decided to move Southwest Key to Austin in the early ‘90s to be closer to the capital. When he saw the way the city was structured, the disparity and the lack of investment on the East Side, he saw an opportunity. He took to the streets. Sanchez and his staff started knocking on doors, asking community members what they needed. Their answers – better schools, jobs, programs for kids – weren’t surprising. But it was the first time anyone had asked. Others had brought services, but no one had ever given residents a voice in transforming their community. Residents were skeptical of “broken promises,” says Johnny Limon, a resident. “We asked him, if he was serious, would he be willing to move his 47 employees from the west side of I-35 into this community?” He did. In 2007, the $8 million El Centro de Familia was completed to house Southwest Key headquarters and become the commu-

“He’s an entrepreneur. That means he takes risks, gets out front and leads. Sometimes, that can make people uncomfortable.” ALLEN WEEKS 76 GivingCity

nity center East Austin had demanded from the city when they barged into city hall three years before. And in response to their request for better schools, Southwest Key applied to the State of Texas for charter school designation. That year the state only granted four charters to open schools in Texas; Southwest Key’s proposal came in first. In 2009, Southwest Key opened the East Austin College Prep Academy, a tuition-free charter middle school in Johnston/Govalle. It’s the newest addition to a roster of job training, arts, athletic and after-school services Sanchez has brought to the neighborhood. Sanchez lives by the onebig-familia sentiment. He hugs casual acquaintances and is quick to laugh at work, though he’s clearly a demanding boss. Early on a profile about him in a local paper was headlined “Directing with Discipline and Compassion.” The legacy stuck. His style hasn’t always gone over well with the power brokers of Austin.

“I think the school district is upset that we call them out.” sanchez In September, the Austin American-Statesmen ran an article on the competition for federal Neighborhood Promise grants. Despite Sanchez’s record – in Texas and nationwide – AISD threw its support to the other applicant, the Austin Achievement Zone in Northeast Austin. While it’s common for nonprofits to compete for large grants, the AISD’s buy-in for one but not both proposals suggests they value Sanchez’s contributions less. (UPDATE: Neither Austin applicant received the grant.) Allen Weeks, chief of the rivaling applicant, puts it this way: “He is an entrepreneur. That means he takes risks, gets out front and leads. Sometimes, that can make people uncomfortable.” Karen Dulaney-Smith, former Austin Independent School District trustee, says, “I completely expect to be working with them at some point in the future.” But no one will come straight out and say why Sanchez has yet to find more local champions yet. GivingCity

“How do you open the doors of opportunity? That’s our mission.”

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“I think the school district is upset that we call them out,” Sanchez says, pointing out the local high school has underperformed for the last seven years. “No other community would tolerate that.” Weeks admits, “At the end of the day, I have a lot of respect for Juan. He’s built up that school from nothing. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach.” Sanchez’s strategy of being a community activist with a raised fist has its drawbacks. But he’s quick to point out he’s won the support it takes – from businesses in Austin, to the Texas Youth Commission, state foundations and federal grants – to build the Academy and Southwest Key’s $8 million El Centro de Familia complex. With green-frosted glass, tile fountains, and copies of Latino Weekly in the lobby, it’s the only modern-looking building in the neighborhood. “When I was growing up, people thought that in order to be successful, you have to give up your language, your culture,” Sanchez says. “How do we let kids know it’s OK to be who you are?” And the fact is, it’s going to have to be OK to let Hispanic kids be who they are. In fact, it would serve non-Hispanics to prepare for an ethnically diverse world. According to Census estimates, by 2024, the Latino population will make up 52 percent of Texas. “The question becomes, what are these kids going to be doing? Are they going to be the leaders of tomorrow? Or the prisoners?”

In Austin, it’s commonly known that nearly all programs benefitting poor populations are overseen by white board leaders. In contrast, Southwest Key’s staff is more than 90 percent people of color. Sanchez isn’t concerned with nationality, rather he feels the best qualified people must have a deep understanding of his clients’ cultural background. “Texas is a pretty conservative state. And it was 1970 when I left. In the rest of the country there was a women’s movement, a civil rights movement, a black is beautiful, a brown is beautiful, an anti-war movement, a real consciousness building.” Sanchez, now 62, believes much of his vision on how to build strong, multi-cultural communities from the inside out, developed then. “I was always tied to South Texas, but leaving gave me this vision. How do you expose people to the idea that there’s a different way of living? How do you open the doors of opportunity? That’s our mission.” GC MORE ABOUT Southwest key

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NOTABLE

Celebrating anniversaries this year: Bacon Lee & Associates 10 years Literacy Coalition of Central Texas 10 years ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot 20 years Austin Children’s Choir 25 years Austin Habitat for Humanity 25 years Ronald McDonald House Charities of Austin and Central Texas 25 years People’s Community Clinic 40 years St. Edward’s University 125 years Huston-Tillotson University 135 years 80 GivingCity

New RFP Process From City The City of Austin and its the Health and Human Services department has long awarded contracts to area social service agencies that help some of Austin’s neediest citizens. And in 2011, the City of Austin will award about $13 million of these contracts. But this year the city will actually put the contracts up for bid, something many feel they should have been doing all along. The new comprehensive competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process may be the end of the unexamined “annual renewal” process the city has used since the 1990s. The good news is that it gives all social service providers a chance at the contracts. The bad news, at least for certain nonprofits, is that almost all the nonprofits that relied on funding from the city year after year may not receive that funding in 2011. For example, the $246,000 to Meals on Wheels and More, the $300,000 to Easter Seals Central Texas, and the $670,000 to SafePlace are now up for grabs. David Lurie, director of the city’s health and human services department called the change, “a culmination of a lot of work” between his staff and the city council’s committee on public health and human services. The new RFP process emphasizes the city’s five new priorities, most of which align toward programs that help citizens achieve self-sufficiency. The RFP opened October 11, closes in January 2011 and, following an evaluation period, the new contracts will begin in October 2011. Those contracts will be for three years with two one-year renewal opportunities — provided the contractors are hitting their numbers. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FUNDING CHANGES

Transitions at PeopleFund Though its founder and executive director, Margo Weisz, has moved on to new challenges, PeopleFund pushes forward. In October, it moved into the new Center for Economic Opportunity, its new headquarters that will also house programs, small businesses and other nonprofits. PeopleFund recently celebrated its 15-year anniversary and in 2010 will make about $3.5 million in loans and provide 50 affordable homes. Its new president and CEO, Gary Lindner, comes straight from ACCION, a San Antonio-based microlender, where he quadrupled that organization’s portfolio as chief operating officer.

Samsung Donates $1 Million to United Way

A consortium led locally by the Austin Community Foundation and Essilor Vision Foundation has begun a pilot project to identify elementary school-aged children who need glasses and provide them with free prescription lenses and frames. According to Essilor, 53 percent of children of families living in poverty have uncorrected vision problems that interfere with reading, writing and classroom learning.

“I’m close to tears!” said Sue Carpenter, senior director of education for United Way Central Texas. Carpenter oversees United Way’s Success By 6 program, which works with about 30 organizations and nonprofits to help prepare more children for successfully entering kindergarten. In September, Samsung Austin Semiconductor gave Success By 6 its largest corporate donation ever — $1 million. The gift commemorates Samsung’s $3.6-billion expansion to its new plant in Austin and amounts to one of the largest corporate gifts ever given in Austin.

MORE ABOUT KIDS VISION PROJECT IN AUSTIN

MORE ABOUT SUCCESS BY 6

Free Glasses for Kids

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Give better

lose the FUNDR by Amber Fogarty, photo by Jessica Attie

When I talk with nonprofit board members and volunteers, one of the first questions I always ask is, “How do you feel about raising money for your organization?” More often than not, I see the fear in their eyes. Here’s the trick: Let go and focus on the cause. You’re not selling junk that nobody wants to buy. You’re selling a mission, an opportunity to make a profound difference in the life of someone who needs helpl. Whatever your cause, it matters. First, think about your past fundraising experiences, especially the difficult ones. Identify what was negative about those experiences and vow to learn from those mistakes. Reflect on 82 GivingCity

your cause and why it matters to you. If you’re not actually passionate about the cause, don’t bother asking anyone for a penny. Find a cause you do care about and get involved. Simply put, you shouldn’t ask someone else to give if you’re not giving. Once you’ve clarified your passion, think about your gifts and talents. How can you use what you’re good at to make a difference? If you’re a gifted writer, volunteer to blog for your organization. If you’re a dynamic speaker, ask the organization’s staff about speaking opportunities. Get out and spread the word! Be genuine and share your sincere love for your cause with everyone you

RAISING PHOBIA know and meet. Constantly think about introductions you can make to your organization’s development team. One of the best ways for volunteers and board members to have an impact is by opening the right doors. Remember that fundraising isn’t about money; it’s about relationships. And above all, it’s about giving someone an opportunity to share your passion and experience the joy of giving. GC Amber Fogarty is a partner and chief marketing officer of SOS Leadership Institute, an adjunct instructor at St. Edward’s University, and a volunteer who likes asking for money for causes that matter to her.

Make sure your hearts in the right place by asking yourself some tough questions: • Why did I get involved with this organization in the first place? • I n the time I’ve been a board member or volunteer, what has been the most rewarding experience I’ve had? • What stories can I tell about those whose lives have been impacted by my organization? • Am I doing this because someone asked me and I couldn’t say no, or because it looks good on my resume?

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GIVE better

FRIENDS WITH MONEY

More Austinites are discovering the power of giving circles. by Melody Warnick

Banding together with charityminded folks is big in Austin. It lets you donate more money to nonprofits, so you’re confident your cash is actually making a difference. Most giving circles run like foundations, soliciting grant applications and making site visits. In the end, democracy rules: Each member gets to vote on who gets the money. 84 GivingCity

Women’s Fund of Central Texas

The members 150 Austin-area women, mostly professionals in their 30s to 60s. “It is a women’s fund,” says chair Donna Stockton-Hicks, “but if a gentleman wanted to give his money we would love to have him.” The donation $1,200 a year. $1,000 goes toward grants, $100 to an endowment, and $100 to administration expenses through the Austin Community Foundation. The recipients Nonprofits in Austin that serve women and children. In 2010, grants ranging from $10,000 to The buzz “The Women’s Fund just goes to show the power of any group of people that brings themselves together to make a difference,” says Ted Keyser, executive director of Helping Hand Home, which won a $15,000 grant for Camp Discovery, an eight-week summer school for the 41 abused and neglected children who live there. The unexpected perk No pressure. “We don’t really push people,” says Stockton-Hicks. “You can be as involved or uninvolved as you want to be. I think our membership enjoys that.” MORE: The women’s fund

Impact Austin

Seeds of Strength

The members 525 women, mostly between 45 and 60, because “that’s really when women start to have more money,” says group founder Rebecca Powers. The seven-year-old mother of all Austin giving circles has a 76 percent member retention rate, but Impact Austin ramps up recruiting each fall. The donation $1,000 each year, all of which funds five $100,000+ grants given out annually. The recipients Nonprofits working in five focus areas: culture, the environment, education, family and health and wellness. The buzz At the annual meeting, where members vote on their favorite finalists, “it may go your way or not,” says 27-yearold Lauren Paver, “but I think it’s even more rewarding to know it’s a democratic process. Regardless of whether it was the one you really wanted or not, you feel good about it.” The unexpected perk An education in philanthropy, including training on how to lead a committee and review a grant. “We educate our members so they’re informed givers,” says Powers.

The members 54 Georgetown-area women, including professionals, PhDs, even a grandmother-granddaughter duo. “You would think this would be a group of women who are retired,” says co-founder Eugenia Koog, who started Seeds of Strength last year. “That’s so not the case.” The donation $1,000 a year—with an optional $50 extra to help cover administrative costs. The recipients Five Georgetown nonprofits, including the Georgetown Boys and Girls Club and the Backpack Buddy program, which helps feed hungry schoolchildren, received grants up to $15,000. The buzz Even in their first year, Seeds of Strength received 28 grant applications. “It was just phenomenal to be chosen,” says Karron Wilson, of R.O.C.K (Ride On Center for Kids), which provides equine therapy for children with autism, cerebral palsy, and other disabilities. “It proves that this community really embraces what we’re doing by helping these students who can’t help themselves.” The unexpected perk Making friends who are as passionate about giving as you are. “I have met the most incredible women who are so caring,” says Koog.

more: impact austin

more: SEEDS OF STRENGTH

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FuturoFund The members Around 100 Austinites passionate about giving back to the area’s Latino community — which makes for a surprisingly diverse group, says Priscilla Cortez, one of FuturoFund’s co-founders. “We thought only Latinos would be interested, but we have African Americans and Asian American members as well.” The donation $500 a year, all of which goes toward grants. The recipients Projects that directly serve Latinos in Austin. The buzz “A really strong focus for FuturoFund is ensuring Latino leadership, so they took time to meet our staff and our board, get to know how we worked, and see how we focused on leadership development within our own organization,” says Cristina Tzintzún, director of Workers Defense Project. The group even ended up with a new board member and a passel of volunteers from FuturoFund ranks. The unexpected perk A social life, with bimonthly get-togethers that let you connect with other Fund members. Voting on grant winners even takes place at the party-esque FuturoFiesta. “We like to create a sense of family,” says Cortez. MORE: FUTUROFUND 86 GivingCity

Girls Giving Grants

The members Between 50 and 60 Austin-area girls in 8th through 12th grades, plus a handful of adult Impact Austin members who mentor and supervise the teens. The donation $100 — preferably money the girls earned themselves. “You can go spend it on a pair of jeans, but setting aside this amount of money makes such a huge difference in our community,” says Oriana Wright, a Westlake senior who’s currently president of Girls Giving Grants. The recipients Programs or projects that help local youth. The buzz “It’s the only group we know of where girls are making their own decisions,” says Girls Giving Grants adult chair Dina Mavridis. The unexpected perk Besides coming away with a rockin’ college essay topic, girls start to see the need all around them. “I wasn’t aware of so much that was going on essentially in my backyard,” says Wright. “It’s been an eyeopening experience.” GC more: GIRLS GIVING GRANTS

GivingCity Austin Directory Below is our growing list of community-minded, for-profit and nonprofit businesses in Central Texas. Please support them and mention that you saw them in GivingCity Austin. APPTIVISTS GivShop: GivShop brings local businesses and charities together by offering great deals and fun opportunities for consumers while generating funds for nonprofit organizations. When you make a purchase through GivShop, 50% of the profits go to a charity of your choice. Sign up and start shopping for a good cause! GivShop.com HelpAttack: We love to tweet. We love to give. Why not kill two birds with one stone? Help Attack offers you a chance to pledge a certain amount to your chosen charity every time you tweet. HelpAttack.com Hotels for Hope: Rid yourself of event planning stress while giving back to the community by working with Hotels for Hope. Every time you book a room with Hotels for Hope, $2 is given to local charities. Cost-effective, organized, and hassle-free, this organization is making a big difference in Austin. HotelsforHope. org KIIMBY: Register your credit card with KIIMBY, and part of every purchase you make at participating businesses will go towards your favorite charities. Businesses range from clothing boutiques to food delivery sites. You need to buy clothes, and you need to buy food—why not give a little back to the community while you’re at it? Kiimby.com MiniDonations: A little bit of change can go a long way. With Mini Donations, you can implement your spare change to help out the community in many different ways through your Mini Donations account. MiniDonations.org EATING OUT Hat Creek Burgers: There’s not much out there more satisfying than a good burger and good friends. Hat Creek Burger Co. promises both, along with fresh-cut fries and hand-dipped Blue Bell milkshakes. HatCreekBurgers.com GOING OUT J. Blacks: Offering a delectable menu, fun cocktails, and a wide assortment of wines, J. Black’s Feel Good Lounge is the perfect place for a night on the town. The unique art and distinct ambiance make it the place to be in Austin, so rent it out for private parties or stop by for a drink and a good time. JBlacks. com Molotov: Located conveniently on West 6th, Molotov is a great hang out spot for those looking for a good time. Come out and enjoy the impressive variety of margaritas and martinis, along with a reasonably priced menu. MolotovLounge.com HOTELS Four Seasons Hotel: Enjoy the tranquility of Lady Bird Lake while still situated in the bustling heart of Austin. The Four Seasons Hotel’s luxurious spa, fine dining, and renowned Texas hospitality will make your stay in the Capital City unforgettable. FourSeasons.com/Austin NONPROFIT CONSULTANTS Cultural Strategies: Cultural Strategies is a marketing and advertising consulting firm that will give your business or organization an advantage in an increasingly multicultural America. Partnering with Cultural Strategies will provide you with insight and advice to improve your company and accomplish your professional, political, economic, or cultural goals. CulturalStrategies.com Ridgewood: Ingenious Communication Strategies: Working with

community-minded clients, Ridgewood is a public relations firm that enables organizations to reach out to the public in effective, powerful ways in a constantly changing communications landscape. RidgewoodPR.com Knox-Woollard Professional Management: Professional Management: Providing services in management and organization, KWPM employs their expertise in the management field and team of skilled professionals to provide a cost-effective and efficient opportunity for organizations to meet their goals. KWProfessionalManagement.com Seeds for Change: Whether you’re planning a gala, stirring up donors, or establishing a budget, Seeds of Change will work with you to boost your nonprofit with their impressive staff of professionals. This communications and marketing firm uses it’s roots in the philanthropy field to successfully promote nonprofits. SeedsforChangeConsulting.com PHOTOGRAPHERS Abi Justice: Abi manages to capture tender, sincere moments through her camera lens, and her organic aesthetic creates the perfect tone for Austin wedding portraits. AbiJustice.com Joel Salcido: Joel’s photography achieves a unique flavor and edginess that few other photographers can pull off. His editorial pieces, along with his portraits of clients like Dennis Quaid and Lance Armstrong, represent his distinct artistic eye. JoelSalcido. com Gregg Cestaro: Specializing in fashion photography, Gregg’s attention to detail and fascination with his art give it an extra kick. He also offers services in illustration, graphic design, video, and web design. GreggCestaro.com Owen Laracuente: A professional photographer in the Austin area. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Apex Auctions: A professional auctioneer not only makes charity auctions more fun, it also raises more money for a good cause. Victoria Gutierrez offers invaluable input on running an auction, and hiring her will do wonders for your nonprofit event. ApexAuction.com INNU Salon: Innu provides impeccable customer service paired with an artistic, fashion-forward aesthetic to give you a fabulous hairstyle. The salon offers cuts, color, highlights, perms, makeup, up-dos, and extensions. Innu.net GiveRealty: Give Realty boasts that their two passions are real estate and the community. By donating 25% of their commission to the nonprofit of your choice, Give Reality makes a huge impact on the community while still providing you with exceptional service. GiveRealtyAustin.com RETAILERS Touch of Sass: Sassy jewelry, bags, and other accessories promise to bring out your own unique style and accent your already fabulous look. Located in eclectic downtown Austin, this boutique is sure to have something chic for everyone’s closet. TouchofSass. net If you’d like to be considered for the GivingCity Austin Directory, contact Monica Williams at monica@givingcity.com or 512-472-4483

GivingCity

grassroots

CREATING THE DREAM TEAM

R. Brent Lyles on mindPop, Austin’s new effort to make more progress in arts education. Pick your local issue — homelessness, media literacy, air pollution, whatever moves you — and now imagine bringing together all the best people who understand that issue and its local impact. Your “dream team” might include content experts, front-line practitioners, university researchers, and so on. Imagine also that local funders have agreed to invest in the genius solutions that your group proposes. And, importantly, what new or existing Sounds too good to be true, right? programs can meet those needs best? The inspiring folks at mindPOP have mindPOP’s launch event hosted made it happen. a stunning amount of energy and exIn their case, the local issue is arts pertise. AISD Superintendent Dr. Meria education: Why do some kids receive a Carstarphen spoke passionately about diverse and vibrant arts education their her own experiences in arts programs, whole life, and other kids receive almost and attendees included high-profile none? How can we identify our communifunders, leaders from the region’s major ty’s most critical needs in arts education? 88 GivingCity

arts institutions, classroom teachers, and academics. “We knew about all these great arts programs, but strategically speaking, we didn’t know whether we were solving the area’s biggest problems,” says Ellen Ray of the Still Water Foundation. She, along with Michele Walker-Moak of the Applied Materials Foundation and Jessica D’Arcy of the Webber Family Foundation, provided the impetus and funding to get mindPOP off the ground. “Partnering with Deborah Edward was a terrific early step for us because she had been involved in Create Austin, she had research expertise, and she also had contacts in the nonprofit world. And then finding Brent Hasty, who’d done comparable work with Big Thought in Dallas, was a great stroke of luck.” Brent Hasty has led mindPOP’s implementation, convening groups of solutions experts over the last year and a half to strategize about equity, quality, coordination, and evaluation in arts education. In a concurrent effort, Edward and her graduate students at UT’s LBJ School have now published mindPOP’s roadmap — by using interviews, data research, and practitioner surveys, she and her students have begun identifying the region’s most critical needs. “Early on,” Hasty says, “a big challenge was making sure we had the right people at the table. Having the support of funders from the outset was obviously important, because it gave us

credibility when we talked about taking action. We didn’t want to create a terrific plan that just ended up on a dusty shelf with other terrific plans.” This Summer, mindPOP awarded $50,000 in mini-grants to projects that were addressing the key needs identified in the roadmap. Soon, another round of larger grants will go to new, collaborative efforts. So, I’ve been inspired by mindPOP to take action of my own. I’ve started having conversations with my colleagues and other leaders about applying the mindPOP model to environmental education: Who do we need at the table, to get this rolling? As little bits of momentum build, so does my excitement. GC MORE

R. Brent Lyles is the executive director of Austin Youth River Watch, a Board Member of the American Genre Film Archive, and a nonprofit consultant with TANOc3. MindPOP is now creating task-force committees to guide future efforts. To join these committees or to support MindPOP’s efforts in other ways (including financially), contact Brent Hasty at Brent.Hasty@MindPOP.org. LEARN MORE ABOUT MINDPOP

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YOUr donation at work by Monica M. Williams, photos by Joel Salcido

James Fowler is amazingly talented. He’s a musician who plays his guitar just about every night after work, his favorite performer being Ray Benson from Asleep at The Wheel. He’s a history buff who’s obsessed with Texas, and dreams of being a tour guide at the capitol. He’s also a second-degree black belt in Kajukenbo, a Hawaiian hybrid martial art. But he had a little trouble in school. As a student at Austin High and Austin Community College, his focus was on computers, believing there was a future in the field. Unfortunately, he didn’t have the grades to graduate, and at that point, he knew it was time to find a job. His first job 20 years ago was as a janitor, which didn’t last long. In fact, Fowler used to have trouble holding on to jobs for very long, and in the end he always moved back in with his parents. What happens with the jobs, Fowler admits, is usually a result of his impatience for people who don’t understand his disability; Fowler has developmental delays and characteristics associated with Down syndrome, a chromosomal disorder. “Once in a while I’d have someone using the ‘R’ 90 GivingCity

word. I would just get really angry.” In 2006, Fowler’s father applied for assistance from the Texas Department of Assistance and Rehabilitation Services, which refers many of its applicants to Goodwill Industries of Central Texas. That’s where he met his placement specialist, Eileen Carroll. Carroll’s job is to hone Fowler’s job search skills and, once he gets the job, polish up his professionalism. When he started working at Luby’s as a busser in 2007, Carroll even helped him through his anger issues. Today Fowler lives in an apartment near Luby’s, where he still works, enjoying his independence, more confident than ever. “I would be nowhere without Eileen,” says Fowler, “She’s a wonderful person.” Did he know that Carroll had chosen to help people for a living? And that Carroll’s work was possible because of the support of donors and volunteers? “I didn’t know that. I guess what I would say to those people was, ‘Thank you.’” GC LEARN MORE ABOUT GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF CENTRAL TEXAS

GIVING WORKS

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UPDATE

GivingCity THE GUIDE TO DOING GOOD IN AUSTIN

Editor-in-Chief Monica M. Williams Art Director Torquil Dewar Assistant Editors Elin Crockett Dave Mauch Chantal Rice

Contributors Christine Cox Amber Fogarty Vicky Garza R. Brent Lyles Jesse Noyes Armando Rayo Jessie Torrisi Melody Warnick

Photographers Jessica Attie Owen Laracuente Nicole Mlakar Joel Salcido No part of this may be reproduced without the permission of GivingCity Austin and Austin Community Foundation. 512.472.4483