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Photo credit: Kim Anh via Flickr CC
I can’t get enough of Texas state parks, especially during the heat of summer. Just over an hour from downtown Austin, Inks Lake State Park outside of Burnet is a must-see destination. The park spans more than 1,200 acres, offering a wide range of activities for guests.
Also, the lake stays at a constant level, so activities like swimming and boating are unaffected by drought conditions. [Read more…]
Austin musicians and bands, listen up. You want to make music because you can’t imagine doing anything else with your life…right? But you’re facing a dilemma that all aspiring musicians confront: how the heck do you make a full-time living doing what you love?
Austin Music Foundation
What if you knew of a state-of-the-art resource center that was 100% free, focused solely on helping Austin-area musicians realize their dreams, and make money doing it? [Read more…]
Brittany and me during our zip lining tour, with Hill Country in the background
In the Texas Hill Country, we’re spoiled beyond measure. Few places on earth compare to the natural beauty in our area.
Most drive through Central Texas and get the perspective from the ground. But everyone does that, right?
Why not see the majesty of the Hill Country in a way that you’ll never forget? It’s time to zip line in Wimberley, Texas!
I’ve had a pretty adventurous life, but soaring over the Texas Hill Country on a zip line was one of the most [Read more…]
Brooke Hester’s spirit of joy and hope was contagious at the 2013 Bandana Ball
Twirling and dancing on the lush green grass of Wild Onion Ranch, a little girl was wearing heart shaped sunglasses and sporting a smile that could melt a heart of stone. Though she was surrounded by a thousand other people, including philanthropists, press members, and even celebrities, she was clearly the star of the show.
And rightfully so.
Two years ago, five and a half year old Brooke Hester was diagnosed with Stage IV High Risk Neuroblastoma, a cancer that is common among infants and children, and difficult to treat. Upon learning the news, Brooke’s parents Beau and Jessica committed to do whatever was necessary, traveling wherever they needed to in order to find a cure. [Read more…]
Colonel McIntire with Ronald McDonald and Austin COO Ann Jerome
Having served in the military for 20 years, it’s always encouraging to see young men and women in uniform making a difference. There is a mysterious mixture of humility and pride in those who have donned the uniform in service to their country that only veterans really understand. There is a brotherhood, a camaraderie that cannot easily be put into words.
Among my fondest memories of serving in the military were the times when my crew volunteered to help the local community in which we were stationed. Recently, I was honored and privileged to attend a special event at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Austin. On September 20, 2012, dozens of soldiers from Fort Hood’s 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade volunteered to help out Austin’s Ronald McDonald House.
The Brigade’s commanding officer, Colonel Randall McIntire, was personally impacted by Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) when his daughter was hospitalized for heart surgery. McIntire had always heard about RMHC, but he didn’t fully understand the impact it could have until he and his wife needed to be close to their daughter. [Read more…]
Cancer doesn’t discriminate; we’ve all been touched in one way or another. And though generalizations have their weaknesses, it’s fair to say that men have an especially hard time seeking out advice and support when they receive a diagnosis.
Founded in Melbourne, Australia in 2003, Movember has become an explosive worldwide movement that is empowering men. The organization does this by recruiting “mo-bros” to raise funding and awareness for men’s health initiatives.
Last year, in Movember’s 8th year of existence, over 850,00 men registered to participate in Movember. Together, they raised more than $126 million dollars! In 2012, 21 countries around the world are participating in the movement. [Read more…]
Cedric Dahl and Ben Hoffman, founders of the Nerd Tribe
Allowing society to function may not be worth the feeling you have, of being trapped in a monotonous job with little creative freedom and much frustration.
If this is you, maybe you’ve thought about what your “dream job” would be. Maybe it’s at a Fortune 500 company that provides you phenomenal benefits and covetous looks from friends.
The grass is always greener on the other side. [Read more…]
Left to right: Kesley, Austin and Sunny White of Corona Cafe
When three young adults ages 19, 17 and 16 are the owners and operators of an Austin cafe, you’d probably expect mediocrity and anticipate the worst.
But you would be wrong. Very wrong.
Enter Austin (19), Kesley (17) and Sunny (16): Native Austinites and the children of Greg and Jenn White.
If you’ve been looking for that perfect gem of a coffee shop in Austin, we’ve found it. Located in the Windsor Park neighborhood, Corona Cafe is unlike any other cafe in the city. [Read more…]
Jeny Crouch (center) volunteering for Moving Difference at Willie Nelson’s 1st Annual Celebrity Golf Tournament
“It doesn’t matter who you are, what you are, what you want out of life. It’s not about politics. It’s not about religion. It’s about humanity.”
Jeny Crouch didn’t claim Summer 2012 as her time to kick back and relax. Instead, she decided to lead a charge that began in Austin, but has spread literally around the world.
From June 20th to September 21st, Jeny is volunteering at least one hour every week to Moving Difference, a loose movement with a profound purpose. [Read more…]
If you have ever had a loved one sick with a serious illness, you know how life is turned upside down. Your ability to work is impeded by worry, and day-to-day necessities like eating and sleeping take the back burner to the nurturing of the one you care about. Having a sick child may be the most devastating scenario of all.
What if there was an organization that cared for families with sick or injured children, and met every one of their needs? What if that organization went the extra mile to provide all kinds of comforts, as a service to suffering families?
That organization exists. It’s in your community and you can be a part of it.
A few weeks ago, Austinot Eric and I had the privilege of touring the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Austin. Although both of us had volunteered at other Ronald McDonald Houses in the past, I had an incomplete picture of how RMHC functions and how much it provides for the community. [Read more…]
