Update: More than $8.5 million dollars were raised for Amplify Austin in only 24 hours. This is an amazing accomplishment. Thank you to everyone who participated!
The countdown to 6 p.m. on March 8 is nearing its close. Amplify Austin, Austin’s annual 24 hours of online giving, launches tomorrow. Six hundred nonprofits will come together on one website, where community members can donate to these local organizations.
From 6 p.m. on March 8 to 6 p.m. on March 9, donors can make a difference in the lives of their fellow Central Texans. In 2015, I Live Here, I Give Here, the nonprofit that launched this goliath of a fundraising event, raised $7.7 million for 500 nonprofits in the region. Amplify Austin has raised $16.2 million in total since its establishment in 2013, acquired from businesses and individual donors devoting their money to the good of the Austin community.
Investing in Austin’s Community
I Live Here, I Give Here set the 2016 Amplify Austin goal at $9 million, a figure that seems ambitious to garner within a single day. However, the past three years have illustrated our city’s commitment to driving change, and the nonprofit’s exceptional board is dedicated to ensuring the simplicity and fulfillment of donating.
“We want to be the best we can be as an organization and make the experience easier for donors, particularly individual fundraisers. Each year, we have more individual fundraisers donating to their favorite nonprofits and inspiring others to do the same,” said Celeste Flores, Executive Director of I Live Here, I Give Here. The encouragement to give this year has skyrocketed, as the excitement surrounding the event tremors throughout the city.
Join an Amplify Austin Watch Party
This year, Amplify Austin nonprofits are classified under eight major categories in order to filter interests and passions:
- Animal Care & Services
- Arts & Culture
- Basic Needs
- Community & Capacity Building
- Education
- Environment/Sports & Recreation
- Health Care
- Human Services
Amplify Austin creates a space that makes it thrilling to watch the leaderboard as the numbers gradually rise into the millions. Watch parties are held throughout the city, hosted by nonprofits and their supporters in order to gather like-minded, charitable folks seeking to rouse joy and a spirit of generosity.
Where can you join in the fun? Here are a few of the many watch parties taking place this year:
Austin Humane Society Kick Off Party
The Dogwood Rock Rose
11420 Rock Rose, Suite 130
March 8, 5-8 p.m.
The Austin Humane Society will have adoptable animals on-site during happy hour. Note that this is for individuals ages 21+. Ten percent of beverage sales will be donated from each attendee who specifies they’re supporting the organization.
Circus of Hope Flying Trapeze Fun-raiser!
Stunt Ranch
13317 Fitzhugh Road
March 8, 6-9 p.m. and March 9, 3-6 p.m.
Participating students will show off their acrobatic skills to guests. In addition, guests can test out their flying trapeze skills by donating $10. A donation is requested for entry, and free parking is available.
Austin Diaper Bank Amplify Kids Fest
Casa Chapala
9041 Research Blvd., Suite 100
March 9, 3- 6 p.m.
Bring out your kids, inner kid and friends to Mt. Playmore. Thirty-five percent of proceeds will benefit Austin Diaper Bank.
Front Porch Project & E4 Youth
Scholz Garten
1607 San Jacinto Blvd.
March 8, 6 p.m.
Enjoy music from Austin’s premiere dance party outfit, Body Rock ATX, featuring DJ Chorizo and the hip hop duo Riders Against the Storm.
Camp Fire’s Amplify Kick Off
Spider House Cafe
2908 Fruth St.
March 8, 6-8 p.m.
Play games, sit by the fire and learn how Camp Fire Central Texas makes an impact on the lives of youths in Austin through environmental education.
Hill Country Conservancy Amplify Austin Duck Tour Adventure
Mozart’s Coffee Roasters
3825 Lake Austin Blvd.
March 8, 5:30-8 p.m.
Attendees will meet at Mozart’s Coffee at 5:30, as the bus departs promptly at 6 p.m. Event attendees will tour around the downtown area, making stops to hand out Mardi Gras beads and encouraging donations throughout the evening. BYOB.
AIDS Services of Austin Amplify Assembly
Austin Public
1143 Northwestern Ave.
March 8, 6-9 p.m.
Leap to Success, Austin Film and Austin Public Access have partnered to host this free event that showcases over 40 local organizations. It will feature live, on-air coverage of the event, as well as entertainment, hosted by Amanda Tatom of KXAN’s midday show “Studio512.”
Complimentary beverages from several sponsors and food trucks, including Wholly Kabob and Texas Chili Queens, will also be available for guests.
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children Amplify Austin Launch Party
Umbel
800 W. Cesar Chavez St., Suite B101
March 8, 6-9 p.m.
Live music, food, and beverages will be served at the newly renovated Umbel space within Seaholm Power Plant in downtown Austin.
Changing Lives in Austin
Whichever nonprofit you donate to during Amplify Austin, your funds will impact the lives of your neighbors, whether they are familiar or distant to you and your walk of life. It is also notable that this portal exists year-round, meaning donors are welcome to give at any time to the 600 nonprofits.
I look forward to seeing Central Texans embracing this day of giving to help their communities meet their goals. More importantly, I am excited to see the outcome, which is lives being changed because of Amplify Austin.
-Celeste Flores, Executive Director, I Live Here, I Give Here
Help I Live Here, I Give Here meet their $9 million goal by visiting their online portal. The website is easy to navigate, and you can schedule donations in advance to the organizations of your choice, which are filtered under their names, as well as by specific categories and keywords.
Save the day, spread the word and get ready to give back to our city.
@theAustinot wants to know:
Are you participating in Amplify Austin this year?
Talena Ramnath lives in Austin, exploring the old and new in Central Texas. You can reach out to her through Twitter.
Please don’t forget the wonderful nonprofits that it has been my pleasure to write about here. You can find my stories on Anthropos Arts, Big Medium (E.A.S.T.), Waller Creek Conservancy, The Trail Foundation (“Eastside Loop”), and Hill Country Conservancy (“Violet Crown Trail”) here at The Austinot. They’re doing good things for Austin, so please support with a donation! #ILiveHereIGiveHere