Austin Gives Miles has raised more than $1.3 million through the Austin Marathon

High Five Events announces Austin Gives Miles, the Official Charity Program of the Austin Marathon®, has been selected for a Moody Foundation grant for the third year in a row. The grant will match dollars raised by each of the 29 Austin Gives Miles Official Charities, up to $10,000 per organization, and help Austin Gives Miles reach its $750,000 fundraising goal.

“For the third year in a row, the Moody Foundation is pleased to support Austin Gives Miles,” said Elle Moody, Moody Foundation Trustee. “We are happy to continue supporting this initiative that allows runners the opportunity to make their miles meaningful by raising funds for Central Texas causes that are near and dear their hearts.”

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 organization). One of the Moody Foundation’s areas of support, community development, directly aligns with the goal of the Austin Marathon: to better Central Texas. Austin Gives Miles is proud to receive this grant and knows the positive effects will be far-reaching.

“We are beyond grateful to have the continued support of the Moody Foundation for the 2018 Austin Gives Miles program,” said Carly Samuelson, Austin Gives Miles Charity Manager. “The matching funds received make it possible for our Official Charities to raise a great amount of money through the Austin Gives Miles platform, allowing their missions and the great work they do to permeate throughout our Central Texas communities.”

This is the fifth year that Austin Gives Miles is the Official Charity Program for the Austin Marathon. Last year, Austin Gives Miles contributed more than $637,000 to the Central Texas community through its fundraising efforts, bringing the five-year fundraising total to more than $1.3 million. In addition to the funds and awareness raised, last year’s Austin Gives Miles Official Charities recruited more than 500 runners and provided more than 1200 volunteers.

The Austin Marathon will celebrate its 27th year running in the capital of Texas on February 18, 2018. Austin’s flagship running event annually attracts runners from all 50 states and 20+ 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. Registration is still available for the marathon, half marathon, and 5K.