Amp It Up
Amplify Austin's blockbuster second year raises $5.7 million for local nonprofits
KVUE — In just 24 hours, Central Texas nonprofits pulled in millions. The money raised during Amplify Austin this year totaled a record $5.7 million.
Beginning Thursday evening and ending Friday at 6 pm, the Austin Humane Society (AHS) is one of hundreds of nonprofits that worked tirelessly to bring in donations and even exceeded its goal. It paid off; AHS brought in more than $40,000. The AHS is the largest no-kill, nonprofit pet adoption center in Austin. Every day it costs an average of $20 to take care of each animal.
"Austin's been a giving city but this day is so darn important. It really ramps up and amps up the spirit and willingness to give to people in need," said Meals on Wheels CEO and president Dan Pruett.
"When you're in a nonprofit world of helping animals, cash is king. It really gives you that flexibility to drill down on what the needs are of your organization. In this case, the animals need things every day," said Kelly Hanes, AHS public relations manager. "So 40,000 plus dollars is certainly a lot of nights of care that we look forward to giving."
"Austin's been a giving city but this day is so darn important. It really ramps up and amps up the spirit and willingness to give to people in need," said Meals on Wheels CEO and president Dan Pruett.
Meals On Wheels brought in more than $71,000 through the event.
"Here at Meals on Wheels it means that people who need support in the way of getting food — they're lonely, they're isolated — they'll be able to get more meals because of this great day and the commitment in the community," Pruett explained.
"It's kind of like an ACL Fest for philanthropy and giving back," said I Live Here, I Give Here Executive Director Tom Spencer. "I Live Here, I Give Here is a campaign. It's an idea to build the culture of philanthropy and giving back in Central Texas. Very simple, we want to broaden that culture and deepen it."
Spencer said in a fast growing city, there are more reasons than ever to give back. "Because of our population growth, we're seeing a lot of different kinds of needs," he said.
This year, Austin showed up to the task and brought in $5.7 million, more than doubling last year's total.
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