What’s the #1 reason why Central Texas women are dying of breast cancer?

Today the Austin Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure revealed some alarming breast cancer statistics for Central Texas.
The stats are the results of the 2009 Community Profile report, comprised of breast cancer data and survey information compiled over a two year period from Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis and Williamson Counties. Komen conducts the study every [...]

“Happiness Is” not found in a solid-surface countertop

It’s hard to write a thoughtful reaction to a film that left me so emotional. And I wasn’t the only one. There were quite a few beefy guys walking out of the theater with puffy, watery eyes last night, too.
But “Happiness Is” by Austin’s Andrew Shapter will do that to you. It’s not that it’s a [...]

A smart, easy way to double your donation

This is genius.
We’re obviously fans of GiveRealty’s business model; the real estate broker donates 25 percent of its commission to the charity of the seller/buyer’s choice, in their name. But using the new website RecognizeGood- also born and raised in Austin – GiveRealty was able to double that donation.
A recent home sale through GiveRealty resulted [...]

JULY 31-AUG 1: World’s First Nonprofit Film Fest -in Austin!

Have you ever been moved by a public service announcement? Have you watched a video on YouTube that inspired you to reach out to the community and do something?
We’ve all seen those little videos on YouTube, another website, or even television, and usually we’re alone in front of the screen. But there’s something powerful about [...]

For Sale: Elliot Smith’s Passat, with money to be donated to SIMS Foundation

The legacy of singer Elliot Smith  lives on, this time in his car, a 1999 Passat GLX, listed on the Austin Craigslist for $4000. Smith’s brother has listed the car, with the entire amount being donated to the Austin-based SIMS Foundation, which provides access to and financial support for mental health and addiction recovery services [...]

Austin author releases new book about the orphans of India

For three years, Shelley Seale would travel to the orphanages of India, bags loaded with treats and toys to share with the children who had made such an enormous impact on her. After all, these were the same children who inspired the movie Slumdog Millionaire. Each time she got to know the children’s stories a little [...]

You can help get Austin kids to college. Here’s how.

Two new collaborations kicking off this month are determined to get more Austin kids ready for college, and they could use your help.
Mentoring Austin middle school students
The first is a mentoring project called 1 Hour for Kids, which was created by United Way Capital Area to forge the efforts of eight Austin nonprofits that serve children in [...]

JUNE 7: Austin Father’s Parade & Festival

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As far as I know, there is no parade for mothers. Fine.
But this Sunday there will be a parade for dads… and grandfathers and uncles, too. The River City Youth Foundation will host its 9th Annual Father’s Parade and Festival this Sunday, with the parade started at Mendez Middle School and ending at River City [...]

How to tell your friends to Give5

The United Way Capital Area is a great opportunity to get first-time donors keen on the idea of philanthropy. It’s happening now and through Memorial Day weekend… but they’ll probably take your $5 any time of the year.
So YOU give money, and you want to encourage your friends, co-workers, and family to give some money… but [...]

Thank goodness for Recognize Good, new Web site that lets you thank someone

See? I was just talking about this exact thing the other day: A public recognition site for volunteers. Except the RecognizeGood people have made a site with the potential for much more than that.
I’ve tried the site. First you register – name, city, etc – then you just fill out the thank you. You include [...]