Austin Group Raises $10K-Plus For Those Hit By Coronavirus

AUSTIN, TEXAS — The ATXelerator on Monday announced Here To Help ATX raised more than $10,000 in its two-week virtual fundraiser for Foundation Communities’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

The need for the fundraiser emerged as many Austin residents continue to struggle financially as a result of the corrosive economic effects of the coronavirus spread. Nearly 130,000 residents of Austin lost their jobs in March and April while thousands more are still barely able to pay rent and purchase basic needs, officials noted.

“During a time of such tremendous loss, it’s so powerful to see the community coming together to support our friends and neighbors in need,” Ward Tisdale, ATXelerator founder and executive director, said in a prepared statement. “Here to Help ATX was a community effort, and we’re honored to lend a helping hand to Foundation Communities and its residents as they navigate through the pandemic.”

Each dollar donated to Foundation Communities’ Emergency Assistance Fund is significant, officials said, buttressing the claim by crunching the numbers: The funds raised could cover a day’s worth of lost minimum wages for more than 165 residents, two monthly bus passes for over 80 residents, two weeks of groceries for over 30 residents and one month’s rent for over 15 residents.

“Foundation Communities created the Emergency Assistance Fund to help our most vulnerable residents with rent, groceries and other basic needs during the pandemic,” Donna Williams, Foundation Communities Director of Individual Giving and Engagement, said in a prepared statement. “We are deeply grateful to ATXelerator for raising awareness for this effort and to all those who contributed to the fundraiser. These gifts will be allocated to our families with the greatest need.”

With COVID-19 cases continuing to spike across Austin, officials said, it’s clear the need for assistance isn’t over as the future economic impact is still unclear.

“Thank you to every donor, Austinite and business organization for their generosity in making Here To Help ATX a success,” Here To Help ATX Program Director Cristina Masters said in a prepared statement. “We know there’s still a long road to recovery for many of Foundation Communities’ residents, and it’s our hope these funds will play a crucial role in that recovery.”

The virtual fundraiser was enabled participants to win local products and experiences while helping resident most impacted by economic hardship. More than 30 donors contributed in excess of $16,000 in high-dollar auction and low-dollar raffle items, according to the fundraiser's organizers.

To see the auction and raffle winners, visit the Here To Help ATX website.

About Here To Help ATX

Here To Help ATX is a fundraising effort supporting Foundation Communities’ emergency relief fund, which was created for families who have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This virtual auction and raffle contains items donated by Austin-based businesses, philanthropists, and personalities. The committee members include:

• Jo Cassandra Cuevas, Founder of The De Cuebaz Co.
• Matt Curtis, Owner, Smart City Policy Group
• Paige Ellis, Austin City Council
• Cristina Masters, Austin City Council
• Lindsey Sokol, Founder & CEO, Blue Norther Live
• Joah Spearman, Founder & CEO, Localeur

About The ATXelerator

The ATXelerator, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is sponsoring the auction with all proceeds to be donated to Foundation Communities’ emergency relief fund. The mission of the ATXelerator is to identify and prepare future-focused leaders for public service and educate the community about solutions that will improve Austin's quality of life for generations to come. The ATXelerator was founded in 2017 to encourage civic leaders and voters to support big ideas to move this city boldly into the future.

About Foundation Communities

Foundation Communities is a local, homegrown nonprofit providing affordable yet attractive homes and free on-site support services for thousands of families with children as well as veterans, seniors and individuals with disabilities. The nonprofit offers an innovative, proven model empowering residents and neighbors to achieve educational success, financial stability, and healthier lifestyles. Foundations Communities owns and operates 23 communities across Austin and North Texas.