The Power of Friendship

In the aftermath of last week’s severe winter storms, we are grateful to our friends at Austin Chamber Music Center, Conspirare, and KMFA for joining with us to present a benefit concert Friday, February 26 at 8pm CT called The Power of Friendship with proceeds going to active relief efforts. 

Register Online Here. Free, Donations support relief efforts. 

Proceeds will be evenly divided between three organizations doing inspiring and needed relief work right now: Black Leaders Collective, Central Texas Food Bank, and Impact Now Dove Springs. 

Black Leaders Collective Founder Terry P. Mitchell told us,

The sun is finally shining, the snow is melted away, but the pain, impact and aftermath of this devastation is still very present. Now more than ever it is clear how important community is in times of disaster here in Travis and Williamson County.”

Derrick Chubbs, president & CEO of the Central Texas Food Bank added,

“Between the normal rates of food insecurity, the pandemic, and the supply chain issues caused by the winter storms, there’s an usually high number of people in need right now.”

And David Horning, Executive Director of Impact Now Dove Springs shared,

The extreme weather caused a lot of closures including our food sources. Two weeks in a row we were unable to pick up food to give to people. We are out of food and could use your donations to replenish. Thank you so much for helping make a difference in the community.”

Friday’s concert will present a live performance by Oliver Rajamani from the Draylen Mason Music Studio, and feature Craig Hella Johnson and Conspirare, Michelle Schumann, ACG artists, the Miro Quartet, Thomas Burritt, Devin Gutierrez, and more.

Oliver Rajamani shared these words with us,

"This concert of friendship carries so much truth since the storm brought Texans to help one another. I was able to help friends with shelter, food and water. We live in secluded worlds even more during these stressful times and the storm helped Texans to realize the beauty and power in love, care and friendship.”

 

 

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

If you would like to continue being involved in supporting the community here is a list of some volunteer opportunities we’ve found:

Help Action: Provide contactless service delivery of critical resources. Organizations like local food banks, pantries, and other agencies looking to distribute resources to clients access a pool of available volunteers looking to help their community members.

Austin Mutual Aid:  which has raised more than $800,000 to get people fed and sheltered, is still accepting donations.

Caritas of Austin: has multiple options to volunteer from home to help people experiencing homelessness, including making hygiene and snack kits, masks and frontline service PPE kits.

 

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