GIVING BACK
Learn. Earn. Return. There’s an adage that the first third of your life is for learning, the second phase is for earning, and the sunset is for giving back. While we like to think we are all still in our prime, we hope we are learning, earning and returning simultaneously. Austin is a generous town and just like unique restaurants and a wide range of fun things to do here, there are philanthropic organizations that will find you. Here are the main organizations my husband Marty and I have chosen to focus our time, money and heart.
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National Domestic Violence Hotline
The Hotline took its first phone call in on February 21, 1996. IIn the past 25 years, they have worked tirelessly to shift power back to those affected by relationship abuse. They have answered more than 6 million calls, chats, and texts from survivors and their loved ones, advocated for policy change, forged lasting and meaningful partnerships, and shifted advocacy to best meet the evolving needs of survivors. In 2007, they launched their healthy relationships and prevention services through love is respect, the first national 24/7 resource and live advocate service specifically for teens and young people. My husband serves as their VP of Technology.
This grande lady was born in 1915 and just as we all require a little more upkeep as we age, so does Austin’s original performing arts venue. Our community efforts are focused on ensuring this piece of history is entertaining Austinites for years to come. Hollywood loves this theatre with several movie premieres each year. And from comedy (Penn and Teller, Jim Gaffigan, Wanda Sykes, Louis CK, Moontower Comedy Festival) to a wide range of music genre (Patty Griffin, Keb’ Mo’, Pink Martini, Jason Mraz, Sheryl Crow, Lyle Lovett, Harry Connick Jr, Norah Jones) and introducing children to the arts via their summer camps, The Paramount is as Austin as it gets. Love this Anniversary Gala each May!
This children’s advocacy center for the last 25 years has been the first stop for children in Travis County who are suspected victims of abuse and neglect. My husband and I are Guardian Angels with this organization and are happy to report that we have been involved in a number of their wonderful events including the Ladies Bingo Brunch in October and the NFL Alumni Golf Classic in the Spring. And every year, we buy each other tickets for this Lexus Luxury Car Raffle as stocking stuffers — one of these day we are going to win!
This organization helps give disadvantaged women a network of support and development tools to help get established in the workforce and leave the cycle of poverty. They have established a wonderful local partner, Westbank Dry Cleaning with 8 locations scattered over the Austin area to help collect new or gently used professional attire - including purses, shoes and accessories.
All of these organizations are 501 (c) 3 non-profits. Tell me what is meaningful to you and I will help you find an organization to get involved with!
