Each year, we adopt a new campaign theme to inspire employees to give a little bit out of each paycheck to change their community. We at UWATX believe anyone can be a philanthropist–but the word “philanthropy” can sound overwhelming. We recruited some of Austin’s finest philanthropists–elementary school children–to show you just how easy philanthropy can be in this year’s campaign: “Philanthropy Easy as 1-2-3”.
We were excited to once again work with Kathy Horn and her collective, Hunt, Gather, as well as local Austin photographer, Annie Ray.
Local comedian Mac Blake spoke with these young philanthropists about how they help others and what giving back means to them. The videos highlight what philanthropy means at the most basic level, why we need philanthropy in our community and more. If you want a good laugh, check out all the videos here.
We featured three UWATX service recipients in this year’s campaign, who can tell you in their own words what United Way and philanthropy means to them.
Katrina and Aracelli Chapman
UWATX gives Katrina invaluable peace of mind and support.
A single mother and unable to work because of a disability, Katrina has looked to United Way for financial and emotional support since before the birth of her now three-year-old daughter, Aracelli, Now, she’s turning again to United Way’s Success By 6 program to make sure Aracelli is developmentally where she needs to be when she starts school.
Ashley and Owen Trimpey
Raising up the community, one family at a time.
Through Play To Learn, Ashley is helping her son Owen to be better prepared for school, and learning a few skills herself. The program, which hosts classes at neighborhood locations, coaches parents whose children are not enrolled in childcare on how to foster school readiness at home.
Lisa Suarez
A former recipient of United Way’s services, Lisa is now gaining invaluable leadership skills as a volunteer.
Lisa is a United Way Campaign Leader for UPS, as well as a leadership giver and Women’s Leadership Council member. The fact that she is now on the giving end of the organization says so much about Lisa and the effectiveness of United Way for Greater Austin.