Category Archives: Latest Gives

$4,650.00 Donated to Austin Pets Alive! and I Once Was Lost on behalf of the Waselenchuck Family

Waselenchucks Provide Hope for Rescued Animals

Give Realty’s donation on behalf of Kim and Kane Waselenchuck to two animal rescue nonprofits could not have come at a more crucial time for either. “This summer has been really difficult for animals in Austin and surrounding counties and a lot more (thousands more) than we anticipated are coming into the Austin City Shelter,” says Jenna Reidi, development assistant for Austin Pets Alive! (APA). The donation will help further both the dog behavior program and FeLV Cat Enclosure program.

Austin Pets Alive! makes a daily impact on the lives of animals all around the city of Austin. The Waselenchucks have been active volunteers at the organization and learned of the donation opportunity through Give Realty from the APA website.  Give Realty helped Kim and Kane recently purchase a home in Scenic Brook Estates. According to the Waselenchucks, they chose to work with Give Realty because “it gives back to the community which we feel is important in today’s world.”  APA has saved over 16,000 pets from certain death in just four years, and finds a home for each through 12 daily adoption sites throughout the city.

This is the third donation from Give Realty to Austin Pets Alive!. APA is both “excited and grateful” for the continued support from Give Realty. According to Reidi, “These are animals that, without Austin Pets Alive!, would have been euthanized. We are very grateful to have the support of Give Realty to continue helping these amazing animals.”

According to Adette Quintana, development director of the nonprofit organization I Once Was Lost Animal Advocacy, the donation on behalf of the Waselenchucks arrived just in time to save an abandoned dog named Charlie. Charlie was found on the side of the road with a broken leg and starving. I Once Was Lost Animal Advocacy rescued him. “We were praying for a miracle for funds to help save him,” says Quintana. The Waselenchuck’s donation through Give Realty saved his life.

I Once Was Lost Animal Advocacy is a nonprofit organization that rescues stray and lost roadside dogs and cats.  I Once Was Lost takes abandoned dogs and cats into their program regardless of age, medical condition, behavior, or breed. According to Quintana, “The funds will not only help Charlie. They will also fund several spays & neuters. This will prevent an exponential number of homeless pets.”

Three Ways to Help Austin Pets Alive!

  • Volunteer. APA is always looking for volunteers and donors to help support and work with the current programs and animals to further the mission of providing resources, education and programs needed to eliminate the killing of companion animals.
  • Become a Foster. Fosters for animals are needed to provide a safe, happy, and loving environment for animals waiting to be adopted. The number of animals APA can save depends entirely on the number of people who open their homes and hearts to foster them.
  • Adopt a Pet. The only way to give rescued animals a new start in life is through finding permanent, loving homes for them. APA hopes to find adopters for all of their animals.

Three Ways to Help I Once Was Lost Animal Advocacy

  • Prevention. Spaying and neutering animals is crucial to keeping the homeless pet population low and preventing stray and abandoned animals.
  • Advocate. Becoming an advocate for proper pet care helps to further I Once Was Lost’s mission of raising awareness about pet issues such as nutrition and proper vaccination schedules.
  • Adopt. Animal Adoption and Fostering helps provide rescued animals with homes to recuperate, learn, and grow in loving pets.

$2,362.50 Donated to Austin Hindu Temple on behalf of Varsha Raj and Pradeep Ravikumar

 

 

 

Varsha Raj and Pradeep Ravikumar Support Their Spiritual Roots

Residents of Austin, Varsha Raj and Pradeep Ravikumar were both raised Hindu and felt it was important to give back to the Austin Hindu Temple and Give Realty was able to help them do just that.

Varsha and Pradeep pulled from personal experience when deciding to work with Give Realty to purchase a home in Grandview Place. “Having direct experience from living in a developing country, we know that many people are less fortunate than us, and this awareness prompts us to both live within our means and to help others when we are able to,” says Varsha.

The Austin Hindu Temple was founded in 2001 and has more than 3,000 members. The organization not only provides religious services including weddings, a place of worship, a Sunday school, but also social services to improve the community such as blood drives, bone marrow registrations, and community service. Varsha and Raj, who are members of the congregation, have also used the services of the temple priest to bless their new home, according to the Austin Hindu Temple.

Both Varsha and Pradeep recognize the importance and need for the special resources and environment of the Austin Hindu Temple.  “It is a great resource and community facility for other Hindus in Austin and even the community at large. The temple is a very peaceful and spiritual place and allows us to spend time in a familiar setting that we miss from time to time,” says Varsha.

Austin Hindu Temple is dependent on donations for the current expansion and building of a new temple. This donation from Give Realty, on behalf of the clients, will help provide a much larger space that can be used for festivals, marriages, and other occasions. 

 

Three Ways to Help The Austin Hindu Temple

  1. Support. Volunteering and donating to the Temple and its programs will help the Austin Hindu Temple further its mission.
  2. Learning. Utilize the organization to understand Hinduism better.
  3. Help the Community. Help keep Eastern Travis County free of crime by urging the allocation of budget dollars for roads, parks, and schools.

$1,155.00 Donated to Habitat for Humanity on behalf of Mike Jurkash

Habitat for Humanity is dedicated to financing and building homes that low-income residents can afford through zero-interest, no profit mortgages. Since 1985, they have built more than 300 homes for low-income, hardworking families in the central Texas area. If you are interested in learning more about Habitat for Humanity check out their website at www.austinhabitat.org

$1,305.00 Donated to Austin Children’s Shelter on Behalf of Damon Earley and Jenna Hsung

Earley and Hsung Help Provide Critical Care to Youth

More than half of Austin Children’s Shelter’s funding for programs and services are dependent on generous donations from the community. As part of the Austin community, Damon Earley and Jenna Hsung chose to donate to Austin Children’s Shelter (ACS) through Give Realty. The donation by Give Realty on behalf of Damon and Jenna to ACS will help to support many of those services.

New residents of The Woods in Austin, Damon Earley and Jenna Hsung selected Give Realty for the purchase of their new home because of the unique opportunity to give back to the community. “We feel like we are doing something really positive with this organization”, says Earley.

ACS provides a safe home and supportive services for children, youth and young adults from birth to age 22 who have experienced significant loss, trauma, abuse and/or neglect in their lives. The donation on behalf of Jenna and Damon will help to further the mission of ACS to protect and heal, children, young adults and families in need.

More specifically, the donation on behalf of Jenna and Damon will help to staff and train individuals to care for children, who have suffered trauma, through therapy, medical care, and educational assistance. In addition, it will help provide high-quality care and critical services to youth at ACS.

This donation will not only provide help for the immediate future of ACS but according to chief development officer, Carmine Salvucci, Give Realty’s community support offers, “a model for other businesses – both small and large – who want to find a way to give back”.

Three Ways to Help Austin Children’s Shelter

  • Donate.  Financial support is always needed. Making a donation and choosing to give automatic monthly donations is an easy way to do this.
  • Engage with the Community. Engage with ACS through social media and sharing videos. Posts can make a large impact. Even tweets with your friends helps to spread the word.
  • Volunteer. Anyone interested in helping ACS is invited to visit the website at austinchildrenshelter.org. There are multiple options for those who wish to volunteer.

 

Leadership Austin receives $1500 Scholarship Grant from the Give Realty Social Entreprenuer Scholarship Fund

Leadership Austin is an amazing organization focused on creating community leaders.  Laurie Loew is part of the 2012 Essentials Class and it was a great honor to present Heather McKissick, President of Leadership Austin with a donation to the 2013 Scholarship Fund.  Pictured on right is Jennifer Wijangco, Leadership Austin’s Development Director. 

This scholarship fund would not have been created without the generosity of the Alter-Suri family and them allowing us to divert a portion of their Give Realty donation ($2500) to start the fund. 

Social Entrepreneurship is a new and important component of the betterment of our community and world.  Supporting the scholarship fund at Leadership Austin is a wonderful way to give social entrepreneurs in our community the opportunity to attend the Essential Program that Leadership Austin provides.

Three ways to help Leadership Austin:

1.       Come to the Best and Brightest Party Ever.   Join us May 15 on the Long Center for the Performing Arts City Terrace for the Brightest Party Ever where Leadership Austin will recognize three inspiring local leaders for their ongoing commitment and dedication to Central Texas.  You can purchase your tickets here.

2.       Learn about Austin’s hottest issues over breakfast.  Each month, Leadership Austin presents the Engage Speaker Series at the Long Center, covering the most relevant, timely, and often complex issues facing Central Texas. 

3.       Make a commitment to your personal leadership development.  Consider applying to one of Leadership Austin’s programs.  The Essential Class focuses on regional issues, leadership skills, and the building of strong networks to encourage innovative, collaborative solutions to the region’s challenges.  The Emerge program prepares young professionals for community leadership roles with skills training and relationship building.

 

$847.50 Donated to LifeWorks on Behalf of Andrea Braendlin


 
LifeWorks provides support to more than 10,000 individuals every year. LifeWorks understands that each client has different needs and goals, in response they have created a continuum of supportive services. Clients may access one or all of the programs in the areas of counseling, housing, education/workforce and youth development.

Did you know that many organizations can take advantage of unrestricted funds by utilizing grants to turn $1 into as much as $7.00?? There is NO donation too small!

 

$7,582.50 Donated to Animal Trustees of Austin and LifeWorks on Behalf of Andrea Braendlin

Andrea Braendlin Impacts the Lives of Both Humans and Animals in Austin

Giving back is very important to Ms. Braendlin and she was pleased to find Give Realty’s business model when doing a “charity Realtor®” Google search.  As a result, Andrea was able to donate over $7500 to two organizations she is passionate about.  Andrea, a resident of Westover Hills, chose Animal Trustees of Austin and LifeWorks as the recipients of her Give Realty donations.

For almost 20 years, Animal Trustees of Austin has been a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the animals and the people of the Austin community through compassionate, affordable treatment and respect for all. Andrea has a multi-generational, personal connection with the organization. According to Braendlin, “My mother and I volunteered there for several years, and my son started out as a volunteer and has now been on staff for several years.”

Beyond the personal connection to Animal Trustees of Austin, Andrea wanted to support an organization that offered low cost veterinary services such as spaying and neutering as well. With this donation from Give Realty, on behalf of Ms. Braendlin, Animal Trustees of Austin will be able to do just that. “This donation allows us to continue to provide quality affordable care for the animals in our community whose owners cannot afford a private veterinarian,” says development director Gabrielle Amster.

LifeWorks is a nonprofit organization that strives to support youth and families in their pursuit of self-sufficiency. Braendlin chose this organization for multiple reasons. “I admire LifeWorks incredibly for its mission, its dedication, and the efficiency of its operation,” says Braendlin.  This includes LifeWorks ability to leverage the donation resulting in up to 7 times the value in matching funds through governmental grants.

According to Susan McDowell, executive director for LifeWorks, “The donation itself made a true impact in our work with disconnected youth.”  Later this year, LifeWorks will break ground on new housing for the youth of Austin. Give Realty’s donation will help the growth of this project and the organization.

Three Ways to Help Animal Trustees of Austin

Donate. Donations for operations can help Animal Trustees of Austin subsidize several programs.
Join. Join the fun by attending fundraising events.
Volunteer. Volunteers are needed in clinics and to support events. Volunteers save Animal Trustees of Austin over $200,000 a year in salaries by donating their time.

Three Ways to Help LifeWorks

Host a Donation Drive. Organizing a gift drive is a rewarding way to get your family, friends, co-workers, neighborhood, civic group or school involved.
Volunteer. Volunteers are needed for working with youth, organizing donation drives, or helping with events. Visit lifeworksaustin.org/ to learn more.
Join. LifeWorks Executives and Professionals. This auxiliary group hosts volunteer projects and special events to support LifeWorks.

 

$1338.75 Donated to LifeWorks and $1338.75 Donated to The “B” Club on behalf of Rebecca Pokluda

Rebecca Pokluda’s recent move not only marked a big moment in her own life, it also helped Give Realty reach a huge milestone – reaching a donation total of over $150,000  since 2008. Rebecca’s move generated a Give Realty-facilitated donation distributed to two organizations, LifeWorks and the B Club.

“It’s so motivating to witness the impact of the two groups,” said Rebecca. “When you see their inspiring stories first-hand, it becomes easier to find the time and resources to help.”

LifeWorks is a nonprofit that transitions youth and families from crisis to safety and success, focusing on the areas of housing, counseling, education/workforce and youth development.

Susan McDowell, executive director for LifeWorks, said the organization was not only thrilled about the monetary gift, but also the opportunity to connect personally with a donor.

“We met Rebecca and took her on a tour of our facility,” said Susan. “It means so much to us that our donors see firsthand the impact their donation makes.”

Rebecca was also able to visit with Jan Hill, member of the B Club, a grassroots group which throws events to raise emergency funds for breast cancer survivors. The funds enable the survivors to remain in treatment without worrying about financial obligations like rent, utilities, food or medication costs.

“The B Club is such an easy way to do something that can make a difference,” said Jan. “Host a party, it doesn’t matter how big or small, it all adds up and it all goes 100% to emergency services.”

Rebecca is happy not only with her new home and having had the opportunity to engage personally with the two organizations, but with the overall service provided by Give Realty during the process of purchasing her new home.

“The Give Realty model really touched me at my core and Laurie exceeded the expectations I had for my buying experience. She’s not only an amazing realtor but an inspiration in how she lives her life and runs her business.”

Three Ways to Help LifeWorks

1.  Host a donation drive. Organizing a gift drive is a rewarding way to get your family, friends, co-workers, neighborhood, civic group or school involved.

2.  Volunteer to teach. Volunteers are needed to teach literacy and English as a Second Language. Visit http://www.lifeworksaustin.org/ to learn more.

3.  Join LifeWorks Executives and Professionals. This auxiliary group hosts volunteer projects and special events to support LifeWorks.

 

$1,320.00 Donated to Breakthrough Austin on behalf of Laraine Altun

Laraine Altun Gives the Gift of College Education

Laraine Altun has long known the importance of education. She was lucky enough to have a support system that enabled her to access higher education, and has seen the immeasurable benefit of it.

“I know how vital support is for students,” says Altun, “and the education available because of that support can be so key for creating a satisfying, productive life.”

This strong belief in the value of education led Laraine to give $1,320 to Breakthrough Austin through her move with Give Realty. Breakthrough is an organization aiming to create first-generation college graduates through a sustained approach starting in middle school.

“Breakthrough provides individualized and comprehensive support, academic preparation, and the information and advocacy families need to negotiate the complex steps needed for students to be college-ready, gain college admission, and secure financial aid,” says Executive Director Barry Aidman. “We believe there are no quick-fixes.”

The long-term support model provided by the nonprofit has thus far been extremely successful. Since its founding in 2001, Breakthrough has seen its students achieve results that are nothing short of amazing. Breakthrough students’ college enrollment rate of 74% nearly doubles that of their Central Texas low-income peers, 39%.

Through her experience of helping provide learning opportunities by partnering with Give Realty and Laurie Loew, Laraine says she actually learned some things herself.

“I learned that there are people who work for love rather than money. I learned that there are people you can trust and feel good about working with if you look for them. I learned that giving can be a way of life, as it is for Laurie, and not just something we do in our spare time.”

We can all learn a little more below about how to help Breakthrough Austin and its students continue to shatter the statistics and reach their highest potential.

Three Ways to Help Breakthrough

1.  Volunteer with Breakthrough. Mentor students as they craft college essays and prepare scholarship applications, tutor one-on-one after school, or assist with events and communications. Visit http://www.breakthroughaustin.org/get-involved/volunteer for more information.

2.  Keep in touch. Join the newsletter list to receive student stories and photos, as well as program updates and invitations to events

3.  Make a financial contribution. Donate at http://www.breakthroughaustin.org/get-involved/donate so Breakthrough can continue to serve 500 students and their families inAustin and Manor.

 

How it Works

When you buy or sell a home, 25% of Give Realty’s commission is donated to the 501(c)3 nonprofit of the client’s choice. That’s right – YOU choose the recipient. Learn More

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