The news that, in one year, Austin zoomed from 48th to 33rd in per capita giving among big American cities — that according to the Chronicle of Philanthropy — didn’t get much play here. Perhaps we savored our lower status more than our newer, more exalted one.
Linda Thompson and Julie Mayne Barschow
I Live Here I Give Here was founded, in part, to bring up those dismal numbers and to educate Austinites about what they can do. There’s nothing to be done about the dearth of multigenerational fortunes, long-established foundations and big corporate headquarters. That’s the hand history dealt us. But all of us can introduce potential givers with Central Texans’ needs.
Emily Rozalija Wheeler and Ranjiv Gupta
The group’s Big Give at the Driskill Hotel helps lift spirits each year. Sponsored by responsible companies and individuals, it hands out one big and one smaller check to competing nonprofits while recognizing a single big giver.
Bryan Perrault and Natalie Kraus
In the crowded ballroom of the Driskill Hotel, we applauded for modest Rusty Morrison, an accountant who quietly volunteers for Boys and Girls Clubs of the Austin Area, as well as the two winning nonprofits, People’s Community Clinic and Little Helping Hands.
Go ahead. Follow the links. That’s what they are there for.