Going Over The Edge

There are so many wonderful charitable organizations out there looking for a way to stand out and raise money. Well, I think the Make A Wish Foundation of Central and South Texas has found an interesting way to capture our attention with their innovative "Austin Over The Edge" fundraiser.  Talk about Keeping Austin Weird!

I ran across this fundraising event while reading 365 Things To Do In Austin, a blog dedicated to sharing "new and exciting things to do everyday" and shared it with my daughter. Being a Chi Omega alum, I thought she might be interested in participating since the Make A Wish Foundation has an affiliation with Chi Omega. 

She was interested in raising money, but not so sure she wanted to rappel 32 stories off a downtown office building in Austin in the heat of the summer (July). But my son said he thought it would be fun (he's rappelled while in school at the Univ. of Wyoming) as long as she did the fundraising.  So it began...

The way it works is the first 150 people to raise $1500 get the opportunity to rappel down the One American Center on July 25th.  His goal is $3000, but we are hoping to be able to change that goal and hit $5000.  Taking baby steps first. 


For those of you who don't know, Make A Wish helps grant wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. It's an amazing organization bringing them hope, strength and joy.  Since 1984 the Make A Wish Foundation of Central and South Texas has granted over 3000 wishes in its' 40 county area.

If you are interested in helping out and sending my son "Over The Edge" here is the link.  Even the smallest donation helps a child get their wish.  http://www.austinovertheedge.com/Colin_Avant/

Springtime in Austin!!

While it's not quite spring yet, Austin is a bloom with more than just the first bluebonnets, redbuds and plum trees. The sun is shining, the weather is warm and the city is full.

Just in time for spring break, Austin is alive with activity. The boys and girls state basketball championships bring in visitors from across the State to play at UT's Frank Erwin Center (lovingly referred to as "the Drum"), the Texas softball and baseball teams are swinging and Austin is the host to the Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo. 

The Rodeo has something for everyone; the Youth Livestock Auction, the carnival, pig races, bull riding, calf roping and food. Entertainers include  Dierks Bentley, Lee Ann Rimes and Kevin Fowler. Family fun for all!

And if that's not enough excitement, downtown Austin is swarming with techies, film buffs and music junkies in town for the SXSW interactive, film and music festivities. There are so many young, hip people in town that Apple opened up a temporary storefront in the heart of downtown to accommodate the demand for the newly launched iPad2. Lines have been winding down the street and around the block since they opened.

With "five days of compelling presentations from the brightest minds in emerging technology(1)" ending and the film festival in full swing, it is time for the music to take center stage.  SXSW, which began as a music festival is celebrating 25 years with hundreds of acts in venues all over town. There are also music panels, parties, food giveaways and transportation via pedicab.

Imagine living in one of the upscale luxury condos in downtown Austin, you would be close to the action, within walking distance of many venues, able to come and go as you please without worrying about parking.  Or if crowds aren't your thing, rentals are in high demand for the two weeks of SXSW, a great way to make some spending mondy while you are away on vacation.

More reasons we love living in Austin, Texas!!   

(1) www.sxsw.com/interactive

"No One Has Ever Become Poor by Giving."

I was reminded of this quote from Anne Frank's Diary of A Young Girl at the Association of Fundraising Professionals 2011 Philanthropy Day Breakfast by MariBen Ramsey, one of this years honorees. Sitting at breakfast with some of Austin's biggest movers and shakers I was struck not by their business savvy but by their power of giving.

It is a well know fact that the Austin community is a generous one, so it is was no surprise that when I looked around it seemed everyone knew each other. The diversity of the causes, and the fact that many  had ties to more than one organization spoke volumes to the kindness in the room.

Choosing the honorees must have been difficult. This year the Outstanding Philanthropic Foundation winner was Sooch Foundation, Outstanding Philanthropic Corporation was Whole Foods Market and Outstanding Philanthropic Organization was Assistance League of Austin. Nominated by their peers these groups have gone above and beyond in their service and kindness to the community.

It was inspiring to listen to the background story of the Kelly Davidson Memorial Outstanding Philanthropic Youth winner, Leah Goetzel, who at 15 years of age has done more than many adults. Saying she was inspired by her grandfather is a shining example of paying it forward. It's not just about donating, but about volunteerism and persuasion. She is one amazing young lady.

Other recipients were Leslie Lockett Sweet, HEB (Outstanding Community Affairs Exec), Patti Clark, Austin Zoo (Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser) and Deirdre Anderson of Planned Parenthood (Outstanding Fundraising Professional).

This year, Special Recognition was given to MariBen Ramsey, not only for her work as Interim President and CEO of the Austin Community Foundation, but for years and years of selfless volunteerism to her beloved Austin. Emcee Kerry Tate summed it up best when she called MariBen "Austin's Best Friend" I can't think of a better way to describe her.

The Outstanding Philanthropist honoree this year was William "Bill" Dickson. He has touched so many lives. Unassuming, compassionate and generous he spoke about giving to causes he "believes in deeply" and "...as much as I have the choice to give or not to give, in the end it is very much a duty, and one I hold sacred."  He sentiments resonated around the room.

So please, volunteer, give of your time and money. No amount is too small, no gift goes unnoticed by those in need. Remember "No one has ever become poor by giving."

Try out this link: http://www.recognizegood.com/