GivingCity nominations

Austin's newest role models: Honoring innovation in philanthropy and service

Cover of GivingCity Austin 2011 Philanthropists Issue.
2011 GivingCity new philanthropists in Austin.

There are those who give and those who make giving part and parcel of their lives.

GivingCity, a non-profit magazine here in Austin announced a call for nominations for their 2012 New Philanthropists. The idea is to recognize men and women in Austin who take giving to new heights through innovation and creativity.

"These aren't awards, really. They're more about recognizing the path people are on and encouraging that," says GivingCity Founder and Editor, Monica Williams in a statement. "By featuring them in the cover story, we are essentially pushing these folks to the front of the stage to encourage them and offer them as role models for others in the community."

Nominations will go the GivingCity Austin Board of advisors and those chosen will be featured in the July issue of GivingCity.

Past winners include entrepreneurs and innovators — like Alex Winkleman of CharityBash, a non-profit organization that helps a new generation get into the habit of giving, and Leo Ramirez, founder of MiniDonations, a non-profit that collects small donations through retail and social giving — as well as regular work-a-day Austinites who make daily sacrifices of time and money through volunteerism and service.

Last year GivingCity recognized 30 New Philanthropists.

"Each of them stood out because of the personal, financial and professional risks they take and sacrifices they make to go above and beyond for Austin's neediest people," wrote Williams. "If there's anything to learn from these folks it's that it doesn't matter if it's not perfect. All that matters is that you start."

Here are the rules for nomination:

Nominees must currently reside in Central Texas.
Nomination forms must be complete to be considered.
Only one nomination per person is all that’s required; nominees aren’t judged more favorably by multiple nominations.
You may nominate yourself.
Nominations close April 30.

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1000 Books for Hope

Give kids the gift of reading: Donate a book to Eat Local / Act Global

There are places in the world where books are a rare luxury, schools where reading can't be practiced because, well, there's nothing to read. Kenya is one of those places, and Sunday you can help by donating a book, while catching some amazing food and music at the Eat Local / Act Global concert at CTC Garden.

Libraries provide an opportunity to share great reading and sharing is what 1000 Books of Hope is all about — filling five new Kenyan libraries full of books. Not just any books; the group is asking for books you love.

“Rather than stacks of old books that are no longer wanted,” says organizer Turk Pipkin, “we’re looking for donations of favorite books that have had great meaning in your life. Write your name, hometown and a short note about why you love the book in the front cover. Those notes are the bridge to a world of learning and friendship for eager readers in Kenya where few communities or schools have libraries.”

Austin icon Turk Pipkin and his wife Christy know something about schools in Kenya. Their film Building Hope chronicled efforts to build schools in rural Kenya. It's an effort that has succeeded with amazing results.

Pipkin also knows something about Austin music, and Sunday, with the help of CTC International, he's put together a celebration concert with Ruby Jane, Sara Hickman and African music band, Zoumountchi!

The Nobelity Project’s Kenya Schools Fund supports libraries at Mahiga Hope High, the Kabiruini Girls School, Irbaan Primary, the Joe Gracey Library (named in honor of the legendary Austin DJ and music producer) and the upcoming CTC International’s Knowledge and Resource Center. These libraries will serve boys, girls, men and women, from pre-school to adult literacy.

Take a book to the concert, or if you can't attend, there are 11 drop-off locations around the city:

CTC Garden – 1102 E. Cesar Chavez St.
Cenote – 1010 E. Cesar Chavez St.
Fiat of Austin – 11011 Domain Drive
Hyde Park Bar & Grill – 4206 Duval or 4521 West Gate Blvd.
Irie Bean Coffee – 2310 S. Lamar
Lola Savannah’s Coffee Lounge – 6317 Bee Caves Rd
Monkey Nest Coffee – 5353 Burnet Rd.
 The 263 Restaurant – 1705 N. Cuernavaca Drive
 Progress Coffee – 500 San Marcos St
 Precision Camera – 3810 N. Lamar Austin
University of Texas - Liberal Arts Advising Office (Gebauer 2.306)

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Tickets for Eat Local / Act Global are still available for $25. Give a book and get $5 off. The Nobelity Project has more information. Book donations can be made all over Austin or by mail to The Nobelity Project, PO Box 161925, Austin, TX 78716.

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