Austin Gives, a community program that recognizes businesses that give back, awarded three companies for their philanthropic efforts.

The GeneroCity Award Program, hosted Jan. 7 at the Four Seasons Hotel, presented awards to Zuma Office Supply, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Texas and eBay.

Zuma was recognized for small businesses with fewer than 50 employees. The company donates 50 percent of its profits to nonprofits, which employees select. They also volunteer through companywide projects.

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Texas won for medium-sized companies (50–250 employees). The company hosts its Caring Cup Wristband program four times each year amounting to $110,000 in donations to nonprofits.

EBay won for large companies (more than 250 employees) for its philanthropic program that encourages monetary donations, donated expertise and volunteering. The 2013 Small Business Challenge allowed employees to donate their skills to six nonprofits. The company also matches employee donations up to $2,500 each year.

Austin Gives was created in 2012 and had a goal of getting 100 businesses to sign up as members in its first year. Membership is free, and businesses pledge to give 1 percent of pretax earnings to nonprofits. The program surpassed its goal by garnering more than 130 members in the first year, said Bobby Jenkins, president of ABC Home & Commercial and Austin Gives board chairman.

Austin Gives set a new goal for year two of getting 200 members, which it has already surpassed. Putting a spotlight on the philanthropic efforts of businesses is part of the program's goal.

"Austin is such a phenomenal place, such as giving place, but how do we put a spotlight on that?" Jenkins said.

Mayor Lee Leffingwell said one of the most important aspects of Austin's character is its residents' compassion. He cited examples of the city donating more than $1 million to help victims of the Bastrop fires and also providing aid to residents of the 2013 Halloween floods.

"All the accolades we have enjoyed don't mean as much unless all of us here have the opportunity for a good quality of life," he said. "There are many people and families in our community who still need a helping hand."

Keynote speaker and Austin resident John Paul DeJoria, who founded John Paul Mitchell Systems and Patron Spirits, relayed his thoughts on the importance of not just donating money but getting involved in nonprofits. DeJoria is involved in or has founded several nonprofits, including his JP's Peace, Love and Happiness Foundation that invests in charities.

"We try to make changes, not just give," he said.

DeJoria grew up in innercity Los Angeles with a mother who taught him that no matter how much a person has or doesn't have, there is always someone worse off. He said for him, giving back and asking nothing in return is very rewarding.

"It's the greatest high you will ever get," he said.

For more information on Austin Gives or to sign up as a member, visit www.austingives.net or call 512-517-9485.