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Austin company donates to Front Steps
Press release:
Present Time, a local Austin Housewares & Gift Co. donated $11,000 dollars worth of household items to Front Steps for their homeless housing program.
Sjoerd Brink, CEO of Present Time, felt it was necessary to reach out to Austin organizations to support his community.
“Often there are funds available to provide housing but they arrive in a place without any furniture, decoration or personality. Our company specializes in fun, colorful housewares and home décor products. We hope that our product will surprise them and that the color and fun nature of our products can make them smile. That is what we do, bring fun to people’s lives.” said Brink.
He was very excited to be able to not only donate but to donate to a local cause that is branching out and in need of immediate help.
Dawn Perkins, community relations and volunteer coordinator for Front Steps said “We have 26 homeless men and women moving into housing and we need more housing donations than you can imagine.”
Items donated by Present Time will be used to furnish the homes.
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Girl Scouts host pet supply drive
Girl Scout Troop 526, in cooperation with LCPL Nicholas S. Perez Elementary in Southeast Austin, is hosting a pet supply drive to benefit Austin Animal Center. Troop 2196 of Patton Elementary and Troop 341 of Williams Elementary is also participating in the drive.
The pet supply drive will be through April 21st. An event will be held at Perez Elementary on April 15th from 3:30 to 5:00 pm. Requested donations include canned dog and cat food, treats and rawhide chews for dogs, treats for cats, dog and cat toys, gently used towels, bath mats and blankets (no sheets, comforters or electric blankets), newspaper, new and used pet collars, and dog/cat shampoo.
Donations can be dropped off at Perez Elementary at 7500 S. Pleasant Valley Rd., Patton Elementary at 6001 Westcreek Dr. and Williams Elementary at 500 Mairo St.
Monetary donations may be sent directly to Austin Animal Center, 1156 W. Cesar Chavez, Austin, TX 78703.
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Corporate citizenship conference set for next week
Business and philanthropy are not mutually exclusive.
Business can do a lot of good by working with nonprofits, says Eugene Sepulveda, CEO of the Entrepreneurs Foundation, a nonprofit that fosters relationships between business types and charities. Next week, the foundation is hosting a conference on how to make that happen.
On March 31, “Let’s Play: A Corporate Citizenship Conference” will be held at National Instruments at 11500 North MoPac Expressway. Its focus: to teach businesses the value and mechanics of making a difference in their communities.
The event — which costs $45 for Entrepreneurs Foundation members and $75 for non-members — includes sessions such as “Strategic Industry Partnerships in Education,” “Making the Business Case for Community Involvement: CEO Perspectives,” and “Connecting to the Non-Profit Community: Embracing Social Entrepreneurship.”
Speakers will include Krista Bauer from GE, Chris Miller from Seventh Generation, Bill Bock from Silicon Laboratories, Neil Goldman from Hotels for Hope, Kevin Brodwick from thinksport, Jon Armstrong from Adlucent and Ray Almgren from National Instruments.
For more information, go to http://www.givetoaustin.org/conference, email conference@givetoaustin.org or call 482-8894
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Cost of AGE’s burst pipes: $100,000
Austin Groups for the Elderly (AGE) ended up paying with $100,000 in damage when its pipes burst in February due to frigid weather.
Insurance has covered most of it, said spokeswoman Nicole Daspit. But the nonprofit will have to eat $15,000 to $20,000 in out-of pocket, deductible and depreciation costs.
AGE, which owns the 100-year-old building at 3710 Cedar St., rents space to more than 20 other local nonprofits. Flooding damaged an office at Texas Parent to Parent, nonprofit that provides support for families with special health care needs, and the AGE computer room on the floor below it.
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Vandals hit senior van
Here’s an unpleasant bit of news: Someone recently vandalized a van used by Elderhaven of Williamson County.
Elderhaven is an adult day center that provides seniors with educational, health and entertainment activities. It is run by Austin Groups for the Elderly. The van is used to transport to seniors who live in rural areas to the Round Rock center.
The graffiti was extensive and graphic, said spokeswoman Nicole Daspit. Among the graffiti were the words “Old People Suck.”
The vandalism so offended some people that the nonprofit got phone calls on Monday when staffers drove the van to the police department and to the repair shop. Monday’s routes were canceled while the nonprofit dealt with the problem.
“Total losses as a result of this crime are estimated at nearly $1,000 in repair, lost revenue and organization resources,” reads the nonprofit’s press release.
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Japan relief fundraisers
As Japan continues to struggle with the devastating effects of last week’s tsunami and earthquake, Austinites are doing their part to raise money for relief efforts.
We’re getting more emails about such events as the days go on, so I’ll try to keep this list updated, but here’s what I have so far.
The Austin Asian American Chamber of Commerce (AAACC) and AAACC Education will be hosting a Sushi Roll-a-thon to benefit victims of the disaster. All proceeds will go to the American Red Cross.
The Sushi Roll-a-thon event teaches the art of rolling sushi and will be held on Wednesday, March 23 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. The cost is $55 and the event will be held at National Instruments, Building C, room 1S13, 11500 North Mopac Expwy.
The fundraiser will feature a jazz performance by Masumi & the Gentlemen and Japanese Dance by Hanabirakai. To purchase tickets, go here.
Meanwhile the Japan-America Society of Greater Austin has established a relief fund on its website. You can read more about that here.
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Japan-America Society using site as resource
The Japan-America Society of Greater Austin is using its website as a resource for those seeking loved ones or other information about last week’s earthquake.
The site offers tips on how to find relatives, where to donate for relief efforts, links to Japanese news stations, and directions to sites that provide updates
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Project Transitions hires new executive director
Nearly a year after its former executive director quit, Project Transitions has hired a new leader.
Stacy Welk, who previously ran Jubilee Park and Community Center in Dallas, will take the reigns of the Austin nonprofit, which provides housing and medical services for people with HIV or AIDS. Here’s the official press release:
As Project Transitions enters its 23rd year of providing compassionate hospice care and housing to people living with HIV/AIDS in Central Texas, the Board of Directors welcomes Stacy Welk to the role of Executive Director and Craig Thibodeau to the Board of Directors.
Accompanying Welk’s assumption of this role, Interim Executive Director Janice Morgan will resume the role of Deputy Director. As Executive Director, Welk will oversee the daily management of Project Transitions’ hospice and housing programs and Top Drawer Thrift, Project Transitions’ thrift store.
“The Board looks forward to Stacy Welk’s leadership and Craig Thibodeau’s guidance at Project Transitions,” said Craig Davis, Board President. “Ms. Welk’s years of success in building partnerships and new programs and Mr. Thibodeau’s long-term service to Project Transitions will help us build upon our past and future partnerships.”
Prior to joining Project Transitions, Welk held leadership roles in education and nonprofit organizations:·
Welk served as Executive Director of Jubilee Park and Community Center, Dallas, Texas. At Jubilee she initiated several new programs focusing on community revitalization: education, anti-crime, housing, and public health initiatives.
In addition she established local and national partnerships, including one with The University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC) to bring a nationally-recognized breast cancer prevention program to the Southeast Dallas community. Ms. Welk serves on UNTHSC’s Community Advisory Board as its Vice Chair and advocates for public health initiatives to address chronic diseases such as: breast cancer, HIV/AIDS, and colon cancer.·
Welk also served as Executive Director of Wesley-Rankin Community Center (WRCC), another Dallas nonprofit. In that role, Ms. Welk was recognized twice by Exxon/Mobil, in 2004 as “Community Champion” and in 2006 as “Outstanding Community Champion.”
At Wesley-Rankin, Ms. Welk doubled program participation, secured grant funds to work with adjudicated youth and helped WRCC increase its community partnerships.
“I look forward to joining the team at Project Transitions as we move forward in addressing and evaluating our current and future needs in housing and hospice care,” said Welk. The Board also welcomes Craig Thibodeau, a long-time Project Transitions volunteer and financial supporter to the Board.
“I look forward to continuing my long service to Project Transitions as a member of the Board,” said Thibodeau.
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Fundraiser for Be An Artist Program
Per the press release:
Locally owned restaurant Asti Trattoria, 403 E. 43rd St., will hold a benefit for a program aimed at combating the effects of dwindling arts programs on Sunday, March 27 at 6 p.m.
For $125, guests are invited to enjoy a variety of wine and a gourmet-inspired four-course meal prepared by executive chef Jason Donoho, followed by musical performances from Austin-based singer-songwriter Darden Smith, who established the “Be An Artist Program” in 2003.
Welcomed in schools at every grade level across the United States, United Kingdom, Germany and France, the program uses personalized and innovative songwriting sessions to encourage students to explore their innate creativity. Maintaining that we are all born artists, Smith hopes to communicate the importance of understanding the potential of creativity and the doors it can open.
“The ‘Be An Artist Program’ is a burst of creative energy for the students experiencing it,” says Margaret Perry, director of Armstrong Community Music School of Austin Lyric Opera. “Darden Smith brings years of music-making expertise into the classroom, coupled with entertaining and important ideas addressing the creative process and the very definition of art as a daily part of our lives.”
Expanding from a series of student workshops, Smith has recently adapted the program to be used for conflict resolution and cultural bonding, working with corporate retreats, business schools and U.S. combat soldiers.
“Art comes from attention, intention and doing what you love,” says Smith.
For more information, visit www.be-an-artist.com.
To order tickets, visit www.thebeanartistprogram.eventbrite.com
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Samsung makes $50k grant to First Tee
Samsung announced on Tuesday a $50,000 grant to First Tee of Greater Austin to support the nonprofit’s efforts to teach life skills to youth through golf.
The announcement came at a luncheon today for First Tee at the Hyatt Regency, which drew about 400 people. The event, whose keynote speaker was Luke Wilson, honored ten local people who First Tee believes exemplifies the nonprofit’s core values. The winners were:
- Confidence: Sylvia Acevedo, President and CEO, Communicard
- Courtesy: Carl Richie, Vice President, Government Affairs, TXU Energy
- Honesty: Max Sherman, Chair Emeritus, LBJ School of Public Affairs
- Integrity: Earl Maxwell, CEO, St. David’s Foundation
- Judgment: Francisco Cigarroa, MD, Chancellor, University of Texas System
- Leadership: Susan Dawson, President and Executive Director, E3 Alliance
- Perseverance: Larry Earvin, Ph.D, President, Huston-Tillotson University
- Respect: Rudy Green, Director of Institutional Compliance, UT Austin
- Responsibility: Donna and Philip Berber, A Glimmer of Hope Foundation
- Sportsmanship: Pat Weis, Retired, The University of Texas
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Luke Wilson, First Tee and Facebook
It’s almost 11 a.m. on Friday and I’m feeling cynical.
Actor Luke Wilson is supposed to call me in a couple of minutes to talk about his work with First Tee of Greater Austin, a nonprofit that teaches kids life skills through golf. But I’m not buying it.
We’ve already had a little trouble connecting this week because of our schedules and I figure I’m going to end up with a rain check. I’m insecure that way. And, of course, this is all about me.
So at 10:58 a.m., I post this Facebook status update:
Luke Wilson allegedly calling in two minutes. We’ll see if celebrity time is the same as human time.
Ha, I think. Take that, Movie Man.
Six minutes later, my phone rings.
“Hey Andrea, it’s Luke,” he says in that distinct voice we’ve come to know in movies such as Legally Blonde, Old School and Vacancy.
Gulp. My Catholic guilt suddenly kicks in and I immediately confess my Facebook jibe.
“You profiled me!” he jokes. “You racially profiled me!”
Thus begins a 40-minute conversation that covers everything from sports and Guero’s to Hollywood and philanthropy.
Let’s put it out there: Talking to celebrities and heavy-hitters can be annoying. Sometimes they sound bored or hurried. Sometimes they sound rehearsed, like they’ve said all this 100 times and would much rather be watching The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
But then there are the others, the ones who seem grounded and fun. Luke Wilson definitely fell into that category.
So why is Luke Wilson calling me? To talk charity, of course. The 39-year-old actor, who originally hails from Dallas, will be in town Tuesday to speak at a luncheon for First Tee of Greater Austin. (For event information, go here)
Luke — who was first introduced to golf as a child when he caddied for his father — is a big fan of the sport. He plays regularly and participates in charity events. Last year he was the celebrity host for the Los Angeles Police Memorial Foundation’s annual golf tournament.
As someone who’s never played golf, I have yet to experience the allure of the sport. So what’s so great about it? For Luke, the appeal is that golf is a mentally and physically challenging game that takes a lifetime to perfect — if that’s even possible.
“I’ve learned to be more patient,” he said. “You just kind of stay within yourself and realize not to get down on yourself if you’ve made a bad shot. You can practice and get better.”
I want to learn how to play golf, I tell him. I also randomly mention that want to learn how to shoot a gun. Because, you know, it’s relevant.
“I think you could knock it all out in one afternoon,” he deadpans.
And that’s the great thing about interviewing Luke Wilson: he laughs at my jokes. Either he’s an astounding actor or I am absolutely hilarious. Either way, one of us is very talented.
It’s interesting listening to him. He thinks Entourage is scarily true to Hollywood life. He likes the beans at Guero’s. He lives near a veterans hospital. He agrees that Samuel L. Jackson has a great voice. He’s written a movie about baseball. And he enjoyed making the thriller Vacancy, even if it did require him to act terrified first thing in the morning.
“It’s one of those movies I’m really proud of,” he said. “It was a workout.”
He’s also got an evolving view of philanthropy. As he grows older, he says, he finds himself wanting to do more for the community. Working with First Tee is a way to do that.
“You never know how handing a kid a golf club could change their life,” Luke says.
As the conversation winds down, we get back to important matters: my Facebook status. He wants the record to reflect that he called me at 11:04 a.m. — 9:04 a.m. his time — and that the four minutes was for my benefit in case I was down the hall or wrapping up something important. (I think I was eating a cheese stick at my desk when he called.)
Of course I agree to do this, mostly because I want to brag to my friends about my new faux friend. So as soon as we hang up, I click to FB and type this:
Luke Wilson says I racially profiled him (are actors their own race?) and have to change my FB status to reflect that he called me at 11:04 and that was “just to give you some cushion.” We are now besties. Feel the burn.
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Capital Area Food Bank names new leader
The Capital Area Food Bank of Texas has a new leader.
Hank Perret, who has been serving as the organization’s interim CEO, was tapped for the top job permanently, the nonprofit announced this afternoon. Perret has been filling in as executive director since September, when former CEO David Davenport resigned.
Before stepping into the interim job, Perret was a member of the food bank’s board of directors.
Here’s the nonprofit’s press release on the change.
The Board of Directors of the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas (CAFB), announced today the appointment of Hank Perret as the new CAFB President & CEO. Perret has been acting as the Food Bank’s Interim President and CEO since September 2010.
Perret has been a CAFB board member since 2003, and prior to joining the Food Bank was Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Communication Products Group for Zarlink Semiconductor.
“We could not be more pleased to have Hank stay and continue to lead the Food Bank team,” said Matt Dow, President of CAFB’s Board of Directors. “Hank brings more than 30 years of executive experience in the corporate world and a great passion for ending hunger. CAFB staff and the Board are very excited about moving forward with Hank at the helm.”
“I look forward to continuing to work with the incredibly talented Food Bank staff to fulfill the mission of this organization and to lead the community in ending hunger in Central Texas,” said Perret.
Perret also announced the promotion of Joanna Linden to Chief Development Officer from Senior Director of Resource Development. “The Food Bank is very fortunate to have a person of Joanna’s caliber in the role of Chief Development Officer” said Perret. He continued “her extensive background in fundraising and prior executive experience, brings significant capability to this extremely important role. I’m very excited to have her in this position and look forward to great accomplishments with Joanna and the entire CAFB team.”
Prior to joining the Food Bank, Linden was the President and CEO of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central and South Texas. Both appointments are effective immediately.
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The graffiti was very graphic and covered 1/2 of the van. We can’t even show pictures of it, because the drawings are lewd. The van was wrapped with our info and pictures of our disabled elderly and nurse. And in addition, they wrote disparaging
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Thank you Roy and Courtney for making a difference as your work really touches the heart. Blessings….
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