Collective Generosity on Amplify Austin Day Has Transformative Impact
Amplify Austin Day Has Record Impact Thanks to Your Generosity
By Miles Eackles, Social Media Marketing Intern, I Live Here I Give Here
Amplify Austin Day is the biggest day of giving in the Central Texas area, and every year I Live Here I Give Here (ILHIGH) strives to increase generosity and raise the bar for local giving. This year, ILHIGH raised $12,319,229, surpassing the goal of $12 million. This could not be made possible without the help of the 28,878 donors that gave 54,303 donations to the 760 nonprofit organizations that participated this year.
There is strength in numbers and this is proven by the results of Amplify Austin Day. Even giving as an individual still makes a huge impact on your community. According to Nonprofit Source, “In 2017, the largest source of charitable giving came from individuals at $281.86 billion, or 72% of total giving; followed by foundations ($58.28 billion/15%), bequests ($30.36 billion/8%), and corporations ($18.55 billion/5%).” The money donated is set to help millions of people all over the Central Texas area.
Because of your generosity, Austin Recovery has raised $225,000 for their recovery network which goes directly towards supporting affordable and accessible addiction treatment. Meals on Wheels Central Texas can further provide nutritious meals and access to life-sustaining services for homebound seniors thanks to the 454 people who donated. Furthermore, children in Travis Country are able to be supported by therapy sessions, classes, and much more thanks to the $158,945 donated to the Center for Child Protection. The $46,473 raised for the Jeremiah Program will help to further put an end to the cycle of poverty affecting single mothers and their children through life skill classes and care packages. Urban Roots more than doubled their original goal by raising $31,680 to empower Central Texas youth by teaching them leadership skills through sustainable farming methods. Like Urban Roots, many organizations not only met their goal, but surpassed it. The Boys and Girls Club of the Austin Area met their goal by 103% by raising more than half a million dollars to continue giving school supplies, providing free memberships, and providing much more for children in need. Likewise, the Austin Humane Society met their goal by 110% thanks to the generous giving of $65,764 by 609 donors; these funds will be used to provide shelters, spay and neutering services, and medical services for our furry friends.
It might be difficult to imagine some tangible effects of your generosity, but many non-profits want the public to know where their donations are actually going. For example, Zach Theatre can further serve the 115,000 Texans, with 58,000 being youth who participate in their education and outreach programs along with their exciting camps and classes that they hold. Because of your donations, no child will be left behind. A whopping $20,106 was raised for Marathon Kids by only 26 donors to help 31,000 kids in Austin ISD to run a total of three million miles. Mother’s Milk Bank at Austin will be using their donation of $26,258 to support their Charitable Care Program which ensures that any baby with a medical need will receive donor human milk, regardless of insurance coverage or financial resources. In 2017-2018, E3 impacted the lives of more than 190,000 students helping low-income students achieve post-secondary educational success, and with $10,286 raised this year, they are able to continue to help students in the Central Texas area. Keep Austin Beautiful believes that all Austinites have a right to clean, safe, and beautiful green spaces and waterways. Through their donation of $5,679, they are able to complete the 700+ community projects in every corner of the city.
When we, as a community, all collectively give, the results are extraordinary. Even though Amplify Austin Day is over, this does not mean we can’t continue to embrace the spirit of generosity. We can make giving back to our favorite non-profits part of our daily lives and monthly routines.
Update: In the wake of the coronavirus, COVID-19, these non-profits need a little extra help to build their resources during this trying time. Because vulnerable populations are often overlooked, your help is greatly needed, especially during the pandemic. You can set up a recurring gift to non-profits working on the front lines to serve the most vulnerable in the community at AmplifyATX.org.