Photo by Emilie LutostanskiCats and dogs at Texas Humane Heroes stand to benefit from the organization's participation in the Amplify Austin campaign.
On March 20–21, the second annual Amplify Austin event will draw attention to nonprofit groups throughout Central Texas.
I Live Here, I Give Here—a nonprofit aimed at making local charities more accessible—is reprising the fundraising effort from 2013. From 6 p.m. Thursday to 6 p.m. Friday, the group will promote Amplify Austin and more than 400 participating Central Texas nonprofit organizations. Donors will also incentivize residents' donations.
In 2013 Amplify Austin's debut fundraiser raised $2.8 million. This year's goal is $4 million, organizers said.
Laurie Garza, development director at United Way of Williamson County, said this is the organization's first year of participating in Amplify Austin.
"It's an opportunity for us to continue to get our name out in the community, to let folks in Williamson County know that donations to United Way of Williamson County help here," she said.
Open My World Therapeutic Riding Center raised about $1,500 with Amplify Austin in 2013, Director Donna Roland said.
"We were brand new and had never really done that kind of fundraising at all," Roland said. "It's kind of hard for us to compete with the real big guys, the big nonprofits in the town."
Amplify Austin also offers promotions for groups with the most donors during its 24-hour run, she said.
"It's an opportunity for the whole community to realize how many nonprofits there are in the area and what a wide gamut of services are offered," she said.
Participating organizations that serve Cedar Park and Leander include:
Austin Dog Alliance
The nonprofit organization provides dog-assisted social skills development programs for children with autism spectrum disorders, and handler-dog teams to local hospitals, rehabilitation centers and nursing homes, schools and libraries.
1321 W. New Hope Drive, Cedar Park
512-335-7100
Austin LifeCare Northwest
Formerly Hope Connections, the group provides faith-based resources and education for mothers who face unplanned pregnancies.
2701 US 183, Ste. C, Leander
512-260-8855
Central Texas SPCA
The no-kill shelter provides care for homeless animals.
909 S. Bagdad Road, Leander
512-260-7722
Concordia University Texas
Founded in 1926, the private institution is overseen by The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. About 2,500 students at the Austin campus near RR 620 study 22 majors at four colleges.
11400 Concordia University Drive, Austin 78726
512-313-3000
Drive A Senior–Northwest Austin
Serving Northwest Austin, Cedar Park and Leander, the organization assists older adults in maintaining their quality of life and independence.
10633 Lake Creek Parkway, Austin 78750
512-250-8837
Girl Scouts of Central Texas
The group serves several local troops that promote character and skills for girls.
12012 Park 35 Circle, Austin 78753
1-800-733-0011
Life Bridge Job Corps
New to Cedar Park, the job-readiness organization offers classes covering adult education and job skills, including computer literacy, money management and GED test preparation.
Twin Lakes Fellowship, 1150 S. Bell Blvd., Cedar Park
512-522-7152
Meals on Wheels of Williamson and Burnet County
The organization provide resources and opportunities for local residents to promote growth in education, self-sufficiency and quality of life.
604 High Tech Drive, Georgetown 78626
512-763-1400
Open My World Therapeutic Riding Center
The group serves individuals with disabilities by using horses for therapy.
1020 CR 270, Leander
512-259-6665
Samaritan Health Ministries
Through the group's work, uninsured people can receive low-cost health care services.
700 W. Whitestone Blvd., Cedar Park
512-331-5828
Texas Humane Heroes
Formerly the Humane Society of Williamson County, the organization merged in 2013 with the CenTex Humane Society in Killeen. Its mission is to provide innovative programs and services to eliminate pet homelessness and to improve the lives of pets and people throughout Central Texas.
10930 E. Crystal Falls Parkway, Leander
512-260-3602
Treasure of the Hills Senior Center
With physical facilities along with and educational and health programs, the group seeks to fulfill the needs of senior citizens, including 300 senior center residents.
408 Ridgewood Drive, Cedar Park
512-331-6000
United Way of Williamson County
The organization focuses on education, income, health and basic needs.
1111 N. I-35, Ste. 220, Round Rock
512-255-6799
