One of the best donation requests I’ve ever received

I don’t know if this is how she was supposed to do it, if it was planned this way, or if she just decided to send a quick and casual email to about 60 people asking for help. But I’m telling you, it made me click on the “donate” link and send them $20. And [...]

What is Greenlight’s new 501 Council?

Kim Wilson, director of development for Greenlights, let me in on the scoop behind that organization’s new 501 Council. Here’s what she said.
1. What’s the goal of 501 Council?
The 501 Council is a forum for individuals who are giving back with their time, expertise and/or financial resources, or those who are looking for ways [...]

“I am heartbroken over what has happened on East 11th Street. I fear that it just might be too late.”

In  GivingCity Issue #2, we interviewed three African-American social entrepreneurs to get their opinions on East Austin, gentrification, and being African American in Austin.
I was a little worried about running that interview. What worried me is that I had never heard anyone say these things before. Yes, I’m a little naive and ignorant about East [...]

We’re lucky to think of this as an adventure

A friend of mine sent me an email this morning.
He’s trying to get his PhD while working full-time, one of his sons might be gay, and his wife just had her job at the local high school elminated. ”They decided to use the stimulus money for slip ‘n slides at the middle school,” he said.  
“That’s the digest from [...]

Giving and volunteering – easy. Caring – not so much.

In learning about Austin philanthropy, there are good days and there are bad days.
Good days are when I find out from Laurie Loew of Give Realty that one of her clients wrote a big check to a local charity. “They didn’t expect it, but they told me it was such a great feeling. Like it [...]

The truth behind “Contact your congressman!”

One of the best, most informative parts of Turk Pipkin’s new film, “One Peace at a Time,” is his interview with U.S. Congressman Lloyd Doggett, who represents part of Austin and seven counties southeast of Austin.
After traveling the world to see the true impact of organizations like Austin-based charities, The Miracle Foundation and A Glimmer [...]

SUN APRIL 5: Peace, Love & Happiness Charity Motorcycle Ride is right up my alley

My husband got T-boned on his Harley a few years ago. He got severely bumped up and the FXR was totaled. I’m grateful Norwood was able to call me from the emergency room to explain why he was late going home, but I’m sad for him and his Harley.
Norwood had rebuilt it by hand, and [...]

SUN MARCH 29: Celebrate Cine! Fabulous fundraiser for Latin American film festival

Received this from David Rice, who’s been a part of Cine Las Americas International Film Festival for years. If you don’t know what Cine Las Americas is – and if you know or care anything about film – this is a great discovery.
The festival screens narrative and documentary feature and short films, as well as [...]

FRI MARCH 27: Be a “real world” speaker to Travis High Students

Received this email from Linda Medina. I know there are lots of you out there who could expose a high school student to a career they might have never considered. This is a great opportunity to inspire Austin young people.
Dear Friends,
I hope this email finds you well.  Volunteers are needed to participate in the Travis High [...]

SAT MARCH 21: New book launch party at Pentagram to raise money for homeless

See the full story and a potrait of DJ Stout inside GivingCity Austin Issue #3. Download now.
DJ Stout is one of Austin’s best designers. Don’t know the name? Magazine lovers – and Texans – do. He put Texas Monthly on the design map (where it firmly remains thanks to a stream of talent out [...]