Tag Archive for: fundraising

Austin Marathon Introduces The Moody Foundation as Sponsor

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Since 2016, The Moody Foundation has contributed nearly $1 million to Austin Gives Miles

Austin Gives Miles, the philanthropic program of the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour, introduces The Moody Foundation as its presenting sponsor. The Moody Foundation has given nearly $1 million to Austin Gives Miles since 2016. More than 25% of that total was given to 36 Central Texas nonprofits during the 2019 Austin Marathon. The 2020 Austin Gives Miles presented by The Moody Foundation is already working to increase those numbers and further the positive impact on the Central Texas community. The 29th annual Austin Marathon, owned and produced by High Five Events, will take place on February 16, 2020.

The Moody Foundation logo.“The Moody Foundation is proud to partner with Austin Gives Miles for the fifth consecutive year to match funds raised for the AGM Central Texas causes,” said Ross Moody, trustee of the Moody Foundation and chairman and CEO of National Western Life Group. “This initiative is near and dear to our hearts and has been for many years. We’re so excited to support a program that gives runners the opportunity to make their miles meaningful and encourages donors to give back to the Central Texas community.”

Austin Gives Miles continues to grow

Austin Gives Miles will receive a grant from The Moody Foundation for the fifth year in a row. The money raised annually through Austin Gives Miles significantly impacts a wide array of local nonprofits. Austin Gives Miles fundraised $1,187,000, recruited more than 1200 runners, and provided 1500 volunteers during the 2019 Austin Marathon. Austin Gives Miles’ six-year fundraising total is nearly $3.2 million.

“This is a thrilling addition to Austin Gives Miles because The Moody Foundation has meant so much to this program for so many years,” said Carly Samuelson, Austin Gives Miles Charity Manager. “The Moody Foundation’s previous contributions have had a far-reaching, positive effect on Central Texas nonprofits and this announcement will allow us to further that positive impact.”

Bettering Central Texas, one step at a time

The Moody Foundation, based in Galveston, Texas, has funded projects and programs that better communities throughout Texas. The grant that will match Austin Gives Miles donations will have a positive impact on the Central Texas organizations and their specific causes by matching their funds raised (up to $10,000 per Official Charity). One of Moody Foundation’s areas of support is community development. It directly aligns with the goal of the Austin Marathon: to better Central Texas. Austin Gives Miles is excited to expand this relationship and knows the positive effects will be far-reaching.

The Austin Marathon will celebrate its 29th year running in the capital of Texas in 2020. Austin’s flagship running event annually attracts runners from all 50 states and 30+ countries around the world. The Austin Marathon is the perfect running weekend destination. The start and finish lines are a few blocks apart, within walking distance of many downtown hotels and restaurants. The finish line backdrop is the picturesque Texas State Capitol. Austin Gives Miles presented by Moody Foundation is the perfect way for runners to get involved and give back to the Central Texas community. Registration is currently open.

2019 Austin Gives Miles Surpasses $1 Million Fundraising Goal

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2019 Austin Gives Miles provides an impactful platform for 36 Central Texas nonprofits

2019 Austin Gives Miles, the Official Charity Program of the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon® presented by Under Armour, raised $1,187,000. The 36 Central Texas nonprofit organizations accepted into the program worked tirelessly to exceed the program’s fundraising goal. They also increased awareness for their organization and recruited race weekend volunteers. Lance Armstrong, charity chaser, was the final participant to cross the Austin Marathon start line. He elevated the program’s profile, helped surpass the $1 million fundraising goal, and passed all but 59 marathoners (3:02:13).

“We were proud to be an Austin Gives Miles Official Charity and use Back on My Feet’s connection with running to raise more than $20,000,” said Scott Merritt, Back on My Feet Austin Chapter Director. “We love seeing the program’s continued growth and the Austin Marathon’s ability to positively impact more Central Texas nonprofits.”

The Moody Foundation’s continued support makes a huge difference

For the fourth year in a row, Austin Gives Miles was the beneficiary of a grant from The Moody Foundation that matched donations for each organization, up to $10,000. The 2019 grant totaled $252,819, bringing their four-year grant total to $963,044. The money raised significantly impacts Central Texas and the communities the charities serve. Learn more about Austin Gives Miles and how your nonprofit can get involved. The application process is open for nonprofits interested in being involved with 2020 Austin Gives Miles.

“Raising $1,187,000 in yet another record-breaking year shows the generosity and giving spirit of the running community,” said Carly Samuelson, Austin Gives Miles Charity Manager. “We wouldn’t have reached our goal if it weren’t for the everyday runners who gave their miles, the Moody Foundation for their gracious matching grant, and Lance being an amazing charity chaser.”

The Austin Marathon will celebrate its 29th year running in the capital of Texas on February 16, 2020. Austin’s flagship running event annually attracts runners from all 50 states and 30+ countries around the world. Having start and finish locations just a few blocks apart, being within walking distance of many downtown hotels and restaurants, and finishing in front of the picturesque Texas State Capitol makes the Austin Marathon the perfect running weekend destination. Participants can register for the Austin Marathon, Austin Half Marathon, or Austin Marathon 5K beginning June 1st.

Lance Armstrong Still Raising Funds for Austin Gives Miles

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Armstrong continues raising funds for Austin Gives Miles

Lance Armstrong, Charity Chaser for Ascension Seton Austin Marathon’s Austin Gives Miles, continues raising funds for the event’s official charity program after race day. Armstrong’s involvement elevated Austin Marathon’s support of the Austin community, enhanced Austin Gives Miles’ profile, and helped the program surpass its $1 million fundraising goal. You can still support Austin Gives Miles and 28 Central Texas nonprofits by donating to Armstrong’s Charity Chaser page through Friday, March 15th.

“It was an honor to begin the Austin Marathon in last place and help Austin Gives Miles surpass their $1 million fundraising goal,” said Armstrong. “Austin holds a special place in my heart and I’m fortunate that this opportunity allowed me to positively impact so many amazing Central Texas nonprofits.”

As Charity Chaser, Armstrong finished the Austin Marathon in 3:02:13

Lance Armstrong was the final participant to cross the Austin Marathon start line. He earned money for 28 Central Texas nonprofits for every marathoner he passed. Armstrong began 22 minutes after the ringing of the start gong. He finished in 3:02:13 and passed all but 59 marathoners. Armstrong’s efforts have pushed Austin Gives Miles past their $1 million fundraising goal. Rewatch his podcast about preparing for the Austin Marathon and learn about his approach to being Charity Chaser.

“Lance has done a tremendous job in his role as Charity Chaser, taking the Austin Gives Miles program to another level,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “We’re proud to surpass the $1 million fundraising goal and are excited to see how much further it will increase.”

Armstrong is a philanthropist, cyclist, and an avid runner. He is founder and owner of WEDŪ, a content destination designed to provoke and equip people to embody an endurance lifestyle. Armstrong hosts two podcasts: The Forward, which features down to earth conversations between Armstrong and a myriad of personalities; and THEMOVE which offers listeners a rare, insider’s perspective on the world’s most iconic cycling races. WEDŪ also produces endurance cycling events Texas HŪNDRED and Aspen FIFTY.

The Austin Marathon will celebrate its 29th year running in the capital of Texas on Feb. 16, 2020. Austin’s flagship running event annually attracts runners from all 50 states and 35+ countries around the world. Having start and finish locations in the heart of downtown Austin puts participants and spectators near all the action and within walking distance of restaurants, hotels, and shops. Finishing with the picturesque Texas State Capitol as your backdrop is icing on the cake for the perfect running weekend destination. Registration is currently open and best pricing ends on Thursday, Feb. 28th.

Austin Marathon Donates to Camp Kesem – UT for Second Year

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The Austin Marathon® is proud to present Camp Kesem – University of Texas with a donation of $3,195. Camp Kesem is receiving this donation because they won the month-long Austin Gives Miles social media contest that determined Ricky Doyle, Spectrum News Austin Sports Director, would run the marathon on behalf of their organization. Austin Gives Miles is the Official Charity Program of the Austin Marathon. The check presentation will take place on Tuesday, March 27th, at 10:30 a.m. in front of the University of Texas Tower near Mile 13 of the new Austin Marathon course.

On February 18th, Doyle was the final marathoner to begin the Austin Marathon and finished in 310th place. Race day weather was ideal and Doyle finished his debut marathon in 3:35:44, earning $1.00 for every marathoner he passed. Doyle was the fourth Charity Chaser and was outstanding in increasing awareness for the Austin Gives Miles program. In addition to earning $3,195 for Camp Kesem, Doyle also raised $3,233 through his personal fundraising page and $256 by asking others to donate one penny to their favorite Austin Gives Miles charity for every marathoner he passed. This brings Doyle’s total 2018 Austin Gives Miles financial contribution to $6,684.

“I’m so thankful High Five Events allowed me to be this year’s Austin Marathon Charity Chaser,” said Doyle. “Once I got to know the Camp Kesem leaders, it was inspiring to see what they do and their dedication and passion for the camp. When the marathon got tough in the final miles, knowing I was running for such a great cause helped me keep pushing.

Camp Kesem at University of Texas at Austin was founded in 2011. They support children affected by a parent’s cancer diagnosis in the Austin community by providing a week-long summer camp experience and year-round peer support. Camp Kesem at University of Texas at Austin is operated by 75 student volunteers and serves 150 campers aged 6-16. They also offer a CIT (Counselor In Training) program in which campers aged 16-17 can apply for and prepare to become a counselor.

“On behalf of all of the charities in the Austin Gives Miles program, we applaud Ricky for his dedication, thank him for his generosity, and congratulate him on his incredible performance at the 2018 Austin Marathon,” said Carly Samuelson, Austin Gives Miles Program Coordinator. “We are honored Ricky ran his debut marathon in conjunction with Austin Gives Miles and worked tirelessly to raise funds and spread awareness.”

The Austin Marathon will celebrate its 28th year running in the capital of Texas on February 17, 2019. Austin’s flagship running event annually attracts runners from all 50 states and 30+ countries around the world. Having start and finish locations just a few blocks apart, being within walking distance of many downtown hotels and restaurants, and finishing in front of the picturesque Texas State Capitol makes the Austin Marathon the perfect running weekend destination. Participants can register for the marathon, half marathon, or 5K beginning June 1st.