Et Cetera Archives - Page 10 of 35

Amplify Austin Celebrates 5 Years and Over $25M Raised for Local Nonprofits

February 28, 2017 by Jaclyn Hubersberger Leave a Comment

Amplify Austin 2016 at I Live Here, I Give Here

During Amplify Austin Day 2016 at the offices of I Live Here, I Give Here

On March 2 starting at 6 p.m., Amplify Austin Day will be in full swing with a goal of raising $9 million in 24 hours. Last year $8.5 million was raised, with 40 percent of donations attributed to first-time donors and 31 percent of site users being millennials.

Editor’s Note: Amplify Austin ended up raising over $9.8 million in 2017! This was their most successful fundraising event to date. There were more than 64,500 individual donations supporting about 700 nonprofits in Central Texas. Thank you to all of our neighbors who contributed!

The nonprofit organization I Live Here, I Give Here created Amplify Austin Day in 2012. Five years later, Amplify Austin has raised over $25 million for more than 600 local nonprofits. Austinites can now visit one place to support 700 mission-driven organizations of their choice that are providing real, tangible solutions within our community. [Read more…]

Embrace Your Inner Kid at Austin Toy Museum

February 20, 2017 by Ashley Alkek 2 Comments

Welcome to Austin Toy Museum (Credit: Wright Sulek)

It seems appropriate that Austin would have a museum of toys, mostly due to how serious we are about playfulness. When it comes to fostering a playful spirit as a way of life, Austin Toy Museum has it down!

Imagination and nostalgia line the walls of Austin Toy Museum, which has over 40,000 rotating items for display. While visitors certainly get a glimpse into past childhood joy, Austin Toy Museum serves the community in surprising ways. [Read more…]

Your Guide to Valentine’s Day in Austin, 2017 Edition

February 8, 2017 by Susan Meyer Leave a Comment

Valentine’s Day in Austin at a glance (“i love you so much” credit: ms.akr via Flickr CC)

With Valentine’s Day swiftly approaching, you may be feeling one of several things. Bliss that you and your one true love will be spending the day together fulfilling the awesome, romantic plans you’ve already made. Excitement that you’re happily single (that’s a thing, right?). Or maybe sheer panic that you don’t have any ideas yet and how is it already February? If the latter sounds most familiar, fear not! I’ve got you covered with a few ideas for Valentine’s Day in Austin on any budget–sure to make your Valentine swoon. [Read more…]

Foundation Communities Constructs Affordable Housing in Austin

December 20, 2016 by Kelli McDonald Leave a Comment

The new Lakeline Station Apartments (Credit: Foundation Communities)

It may seem like every beautiful apartment complex in Austin is financially out of reach. With rent continuing to soar, how do we keep some sense of balance in our city? Even though working toward affordable housing solutions in Austin may feel impossibly weighty, Foundation Communities has been tackling this issue with unwavering persistence. [Read more…]

Con Mi MADRE Nurtures Young Latinas on Journey Towards College

December 16, 2016 by Sommer Brugal Leave a Comment

In 1992, a Latina baby girl had less than a one percent chance of acquiring a college education. It was a grim statistic, one Austin Latinas and fellow women took to heart. It was a statistic they set out to change. The result was Con Mi MADRE.

What began as a mother-daughter program in 1992 has become a thriving nonprofit that serves more than 600 young Latinas and their mothers in the greater Austin area. For the past 24 years, Con Mi MADRE has worked to change the expectations and stigmas for young Latina women.

Today, the organization works to open doors for members, exposing them to opportunities they never thought possible. [Read more…]

Full Fridge Blends Tech, Gourmet Cooking for Meal Delivery in Austin

November 23, 2016 by Eliza Weeks 1 Comment

Full Fridge offers meal delivery in Austin (Credit: Full Fridge)

Editor’s Note: Full Fridge is no longer in business.

What happens when you combine two tech experts, two Austrian restauranteurs and a cardboard box? The answer may surprise you. It isn’t the punch line to a cringeworthy dad joke. It’s Full Fridge, Austin’s newest tech-savvy meal delivery service. [Read more…]

Participate in Austin Empty Bowl Project’s 20th Year of Fighting Hunger

November 15, 2016 by Jaclyn Hubersberger Leave a Comment

All ages can participate in Austin Empty Bowl Project (Credit: Studio Stence Photography)

As we move into the holiday season, I begin to reflect on all I have to be thankful for and consider how I can help those in my community who are less fortunate. If you’re also looking for a way to give back this holiday season, Austin Empty Bowl Project is a cause highly deserving of your support. Over the past 19 years, Austin Empty Bowl Project has raised over $900,000 to help feed hungry Central Texans. Now celebrating 20 years, the goal is the $1 million mark.

The family-friendly event will be held on Sunday, Nov. 20 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Central Texas Food Bank, located at 6500 Metropolis Dr. For a donation of $20, guests are invited to choose their favorite from over 4,000 handmade ceramic bowls donated by local artists, which are then filled with soup and bread from some of Austin’s best restaurants. When it’s time to leave, have your bowl wrapped up to take home as a reminder of those whose bowls are empty. [Read more…]

Burn Introduces Roman-Style Pizza to East Austin

November 2, 2016 by Jessica Pino Leave a Comment

Burn Pizza + Bar introduces Roman-style pizza to East Austin

Editor’s Note: As of December 2016, Burn is closed.

Growing up in a pizza shop has made me a pizza connoisseur. Being Italian has made me a pizza snob. I know a thing or two about pizza, and Italian food in general.

While I still stand by my 2014 list of “5 Best Pizza Joints in Austin,” I’ve found many new spots over the past two years I’d gladly add. One of them is Burn Pizza + Bar on East Sixth Street. Before you run out to try this pie, here’s everything you need to know. [Read more…]

The SEED Redefines ESL Classes in Austin With Input From Students

October 28, 2016 by Joleen Jernigan Leave a Comment

Open discussion at The SEED class at Houston Elementary School in Austin (Credit: The SEED)

The SEED offers English as a Second Language (ESL) classes to adults in Austin, emphasizing participation and community building. Learners are engaged community members and participants in their own educational experience. They give input on various aspects of the classes, including what they want to learn, what type of outreach or fundraising they want to do, and how much time they want to spend on a given task. [Read more…]

20 Ways to Do Halloween Week Right in Austin

October 26, 2016 by Eliza Weeks Leave a Comment

Credit: Ryan Conine

Much like New Year’s Eve, Halloween is a holiday that requires special planning. Deciding on a costume is the first step (and if you’re still struggling in the disguise department, Austin’s local stores have you covered). But a costume is nothing if you don’t have a place to debut it.

Here’s a list of events, activities and food specials that’ll help you rock your way through Halloween week and beyond! [Read more…]