Frost It Forward

See how a 'paw-some' gift makes a huge impact for Austin pet lovers

Shruthi Parker and two of her furry friends.

Courtesy photo

In case you hadn't already heard, CultureMap has partnered with Frost Bank on its Opt For Optimism campaign, which encourages small acts of kindness that lead to a big impact in your community.

In addition to a Charity Guide and an editorial series highlighting those who are giving back, CultureMap is also turning the spotlight on locals who are fostering generosity, building community, and changing perspectives.

Lifestyle blogger Shruthi Parker of The Honest Shruth introduces Emancipet, a network of nonprofit veterinary clinics that offers affordable vaccinations, wellness care, specialty treatment, and spay and neuter surgeries for Austin's dogs and cats.

Watch how Parker, a Frost community partner, is able to #frostitforward by surprising an Emancipet visitor with a $100 cash card to cover their vet bill. It's small acts like these that continue goodwill in the community and hopefully make a big difference in someone's life.

Show how you're spreading optimism by tagging CultureMap Austin on Instagram and using the hashtag #frostitforward, and you could win some cool swag.

charity-guide pets charity video promoted

MESSAGE OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE

Austin theater auctions off chance to write message on iconic marquee

Austin theater auctions off chance to write message on iconic marquee

Paramount Theatre/Instagram

The Paramount Theatre is auctioning off the chance to share a holiday message on its marquee.

Austinites craving the limelight might get the chance to see their name in lights — or at least a personalized holiday message — illuminated on one of Austin’s most historic marquees.

As part of the Austin Theatre Alliance’s final 2020 auction to raise funds for the Paramount and Stateside theaters, the nonprofit is offering up an array of unusual and very “Austintatious” items for bid, including the chance to share a customized holiday message on the iconic Paramount Theatre marquee.

The auction item is one of several dozen currently up for bid through ATA’s online holiday auction, which runs through December 11.

With a starting bid of $1,500, the Paramount marquee message is one of the pricier items in the auction, but it may be well worth the glory, as the winning bidder can treat all of Austin to a two-line, 80-character custom holiday message that will be professionally photographed and live on the marquee for a minimum of four hours. (It should be noted that the chosen message is subject to review. After all, this is a nonprofit theater marquee, not the infamously sassy El Arroyo sign.)

Having to cancel or reschedule hundreds of planned shows because of COVID-19 concerns, the Paramount Theatre has had a particularly rough year but recently reopened at 25 percent capacity for limited engagements, like its Holiday Film Series, which is currently underway. Funds raised from the auction enable the ATA, which manages the Paramount and Stateside, to reach Central Texas students through virtual programs, employ venue staff, and help the historic theaters survive the pandemic.

In addition to the Paramount marquee message item, the auction also includes other perfectly weird items befitting a homegrown Austin event, like Matt Lankes photos of Willie Nelson playing chess and the late, great Billy Joe Shaver looking contemplative while perched on a bridge in Waco; and several autographed guitars, including one commemorative acoustic guitar signed by 10 of Austin’s most notable musicians, Ruthie Foster, Carrie Rodriguez, and Tameca Jones among them.

Of course, there is no lack of booze-forward packages, hotel stays, and artist-signed prints also up for grabs. But true lovers of the Paramount Theatre will find the item with the highest opening bid ($5,000) steals the show: a private catered dinner for four on the Paramount stage.

holidays theater downtown charity

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