| Today's $4,651 of donations mark the last day of the 12 Days' of Austin's Christmas. We thank all of our family and friends who have supported us in this very difficult time and who made so many of these wonderful donation suggestions. Austin would have loved them all. Thank you! - Gregg, Laurie and Aidan John V - Jackson Park Advisory Council - $227 Statement - “My favorite time spent with Austin was wondering through portions of Jackson Park-the beautiful Osaka Japanese garden on the “Wooded island” with our picnic of bread and cheese, and also through an adjacent segment of the park, where Austin insisted on stopping and smelling most of the blooming flowers (as well as wearing the tattered cap that he found in the bush). This section of Hyde Park is extremely meaningful to me. I’ve included the JPAC donation sheet, on which I indicated that I hoped the contribution would go towards maintaining the park and continuing to take stock of its flora and fauna.” |
Sarah H. - Sierra Club, Inner City Outings - $200
Statement - “I remember Austin saying that while he loved Chicago, he missed getting outside the city into nature,...until he joined the UChicago Outdoor Adventure Club. Not all children have the opportunity or resources to explore the natural world. The Inner City Outings division of the Sierra Club sponsors outdoor excursions for urban children, including the Chicago division in Illinois. (Charity Navigator: 4 Stars)”
Statement - “I remember Austin saying that while he loved Chicago, he missed getting outside the city into nature,...until he joined the UChicago Outdoor Adventure Club. Not all children have the opportunity or resources to explore the natural world. The Inner City Outings division of the Sierra Club sponsors outdoor excursions for urban children, including the Chicago division in Illinois. (Charity Navigator: 4 Stars)”
Elizabeth D. - Half to the Friends of the Chicago River - $250
Statement - “A $250 donation is categorized as a “yellow-headed blackbird” donation, named for the lovely bird that comes here in the summer and needs healthy rivers, and that winters in New Mexico and surrounding states. Friends of the Chicago River mixes policy initiatives with volunteer opportunities with helping families and young people to have fun on the river and to understand its needs and the needs of the wetlands that surround rivers as natural habitats. The picture at the top of the homepage, with young people canoeing down a metropolitan river that is lined only with trees, speaks to Austin’s profound connection to nature and to adventure. He would have been in this canoe without a second thought.”
Statement - “A $250 donation is categorized as a “yellow-headed blackbird” donation, named for the lovely bird that comes here in the summer and needs healthy rivers, and that winters in New Mexico and surrounding states. Friends of the Chicago River mixes policy initiatives with volunteer opportunities with helping families and young people to have fun on the river and to understand its needs and the needs of the wetlands that surround rivers as natural habitats. The picture at the top of the homepage, with young people canoeing down a metropolitan river that is lined only with trees, speaks to Austin’s profound connection to nature and to adventure. He would have been in this canoe without a second thought.”
Isaac -The National Forest Foundation - $333
Statement - “Austin always took pleasure in hiking and exploring wild places, so donating to a wilderness preservation nonprofit makes perfect sense. The National Forest Foundation appeals to me most out of all the wilderness preservation organizations because any donation will lead directly to the planting of trees, so that Austin’s love and legacy will be carried on in the growth and spread of a beautiful forest.”
Statement - “Austin always took pleasure in hiking and exploring wild places, so donating to a wilderness preservation nonprofit makes perfect sense. The National Forest Foundation appeals to me most out of all the wilderness preservation organizations because any donation will lead directly to the planting of trees, so that Austin’s love and legacy will be carried on in the growth and spread of a beautiful forest.”
Shari O. - Bear Hug Foundation - $250
Statement - “The second organization provides experiential and outdoor educational summer camp programs for underprivileged, at-risk and special needs children. Connor's soul thrived in nature. I want to know that happens for other children, too, when they may not be able to afford those opportunities.”
Statement - “The second organization provides experiential and outdoor educational summer camp programs for underprivileged, at-risk and special needs children. Connor's soul thrived in nature. I want to know that happens for other children, too, when they may not be able to afford those opportunities.”
Isaac - - The Wilderness Society - $333
Statement - “Much like the National Forest Foundation, the Wilderness Society is committed to protecting and preserving the places of great natural beauty that Austin loved. I like the Wilderness Society because it allows for donations to be made in honor or in memory of someone.”
Statement - “Much like the National Forest Foundation, the Wilderness Society is committed to protecting and preserving the places of great natural beauty that Austin loved. I like the Wilderness Society because it allows for donations to be made in honor or in memory of someone.”
Paula, Adam, Dalia and Jason S. - Los Amigos de Valles Caldera - $500
Statement - “We wanted to find a worthy organization that combined some of Austin’s interests and hope that we have done so. The Valles Caldera National Preserve Trust was established to protect the Valles Caldera in the Jemez Mountains. A charitable organization, Los Amigos de Valles Caldera, was set up as a sister organization to the trust so that charitable contributions could be made to support their efforts. They are dedicated to not only preserving the wildness of the caldera, but also to improving the landscape and involving and educating the public about the science behind what they do. We know how much you have all enjoyed hiking in New Mexico, and how important science and education are to all of you, and thought that this might be a good way to honor Austin.”
Statement - “We wanted to find a worthy organization that combined some of Austin’s interests and hope that we have done so. The Valles Caldera National Preserve Trust was established to protect the Valles Caldera in the Jemez Mountains. A charitable organization, Los Amigos de Valles Caldera, was set up as a sister organization to the trust so that charitable contributions could be made to support their efforts. They are dedicated to not only preserving the wildness of the caldera, but also to improving the landscape and involving and educating the public about the science behind what they do. We know how much you have all enjoyed hiking in New Mexico, and how important science and education are to all of you, and thought that this might be a good way to honor Austin.”
Kevin, Judy, Christopher and Stephen W. - $400
Statement - “ BTW, we could have come up with hundreds of deserving charities each with a clear nod towards Austin, however, $100 to each of these 5 coupled with all of the other donations, will be an amazing tribute to both Austin and his lasting impact on the world around him. I will never forget Laurie’s charge to “live a little larger” and we believe that this gesture will allow some small fulfillment of this request while honoring Austin’s memory.
The charities we selected are:
www.childrensmuseumofphoenix.org
www.mcdowellsonoran.org
www.phoenixsymphony.org
www.azscience.org
Statement - “ BTW, we could have come up with hundreds of deserving charities each with a clear nod towards Austin, however, $100 to each of these 5 coupled with all of the other donations, will be an amazing tribute to both Austin and his lasting impact on the world around him. I will never forget Laurie’s charge to “live a little larger” and we believe that this gesture will allow some small fulfillment of this request while honoring Austin’s memory.
The charities we selected are:
www.childrensmuseumofphoenix.org
www.mcdowellsonoran.org
www.phoenixsymphony.org
www.azscience.org
Isaac - The International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition - $333
Statement - “iGEM combines aspects of the scholarly competitions Austin loved with biochemistry research in the development of a synthetic biological organism or molecular tool that serves a useful purpose. I think iGEM is a competition in which Austin would have enjoyed sharing his knowledge and expertise.”
Statement - “iGEM combines aspects of the scholarly competitions Austin loved with biochemistry research in the development of a synthetic biological organism or molecular tool that serves a useful purpose. I think iGEM is a competition in which Austin would have enjoyed sharing his knowledge and expertise.”
Stephanie and Stuart L. - Albuquerque Academy - $150
Statement - “We would like to donate $150 to the Academy's financial assistance fund so that kids in New Mexico can have access to a really fine student culture and an education that can allow them to fulfill their aspirations. Austin found his amazing peer group at the Academy when he was young, as are so many students in Albuquerque. We feel so fortunate to teach kids like Austin.”
Statement - “We would like to donate $150 to the Academy's financial assistance fund so that kids in New Mexico can have access to a really fine student culture and an education that can allow them to fulfill their aspirations. Austin found his amazing peer group at the Academy when he was young, as are so many students in Albuquerque. We feel so fortunate to teach kids like Austin.”
Shari O. - Opportunity Music Project - $250
Statement - “The Opportunity Music Project provide free music lessons to children in inner cities whose families cannot afford them. They attempt to change lives of kids who are most at risk by helping them discover the gift of music and their abilities. Since this was an area that was near to both our sons' souls, I would like to see some funds go there. Connor was a gifted composer, and I would enjoy knowing that perhaps another child's gifts could be discovered who would otherwise never be exposed to the world of music.”
Statement - “The Opportunity Music Project provide free music lessons to children in inner cities whose families cannot afford them. They attempt to change lives of kids who are most at risk by helping them discover the gift of music and their abilities. Since this was an area that was near to both our sons' souls, I would like to see some funds go there. Connor was a gifted composer, and I would enjoy knowing that perhaps another child's gifts could be discovered who would otherwise never be exposed to the world of music.”
Stephanie and Stuart L. - Outpost Performance Space - $150
Statement - “Second, we would like to give $150 to the Outpost performance Space. Tom Guralnick brings world class music to Albuquerque, enriching our city, and he is also deeply committed to creating educational and performance opportunities for young musicians. We believe that his vision is one that Austin shared.”
Statement - “Second, we would like to give $150 to the Outpost performance Space. Tom Guralnick brings world class music to Albuquerque, enriching our city, and he is also deeply committed to creating educational and performance opportunities for young musicians. We believe that his vision is one that Austin shared.”
Jeremy S. - Santa Fe Art Institute - $250
Charity Statement - “SFAI takes as its mission an exploration of the intersections of contemporary art and society. By bringing together prominent individuals and institutions in the arts, sciences, and humanities, SFAI enlivens local, national, and international discourse through residencies, lectures, workshops, publications, exhibitions, and educational and outreach programming. Nurturing artists and providing a stimulating, creative atmosphere for their work serves society in an essential way and gives artists the support necessary to take risks and explore possibilities. For young people, the arts allow creativity and innovation to be valued along with the traditional skills for learning.”
Charity Statement - “SFAI takes as its mission an exploration of the intersections of contemporary art and society. By bringing together prominent individuals and institutions in the arts, sciences, and humanities, SFAI enlivens local, national, and international discourse through residencies, lectures, workshops, publications, exhibitions, and educational and outreach programming. Nurturing artists and providing a stimulating, creative atmosphere for their work serves society in an essential way and gives artists the support necessary to take risks and explore possibilities. For young people, the arts allow creativity and innovation to be valued along with the traditional skills for learning.”
Sarah H. - PACA: Kitty City - $200
Statement - Because Austin loved Misty so much, it seems fitting to honor the place from that brought her to your family. Additionally, it benefits a local no-kill shelter in Albuquerque.”
Statement - Because Austin loved Misty so much, it seems fitting to honor the place from that brought her to your family. Additionally, it benefits a local no-kill shelter in Albuquerque.”
Mark H. and Susan S. Greenhill Humane Society $ 125
Charity Statement - “Greenhill Humane Society, SPCA will provide safe shelter for animals in transition, serve as advocates for animals and their people, work to end animal overpopulation and educate the public about compassion and responsibility towards all animals.”
Charity Statement - “Greenhill Humane Society, SPCA will provide safe shelter for animals in transition, serve as advocates for animals and their people, work to end animal overpopulation and educate the public about compassion and responsibility towards all animals.”
Talia A. - TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) - $500
Statement - “Something that is very near and dear to my heart are all the soldiers that have given the ultimate sacrifice for our safety. I don't know the exact name of the charity, but I do know they help families that have lost a loved one, and Im sure Greg, that you could find it with all the resources that you have. My Dad was a veteran and I was always proud as he was of his service to our country. Thank you so much for allowing me to take part in this wonderful thing that you are doing in honor of your wonderful son & brother.”
Statement - “Something that is very near and dear to my heart are all the soldiers that have given the ultimate sacrifice for our safety. I don't know the exact name of the charity, but I do know they help families that have lost a loved one, and Im sure Greg, that you could find it with all the resources that you have. My Dad was a veteran and I was always proud as he was of his service to our country. Thank you so much for allowing me to take part in this wonderful thing that you are doing in honor of your wonderful son & brother.”
Stephanie and Stuart L. - Think New Mexico - $200
Statement - “Lastly, we are enthusiastic supporters of Think New Mexico, a non-partisan, results-oriented nonprofit that takes on one project at a time to improve life in New Mexico. They have been really successful over the years they have been in existence. Some of their projects have included helping to repeal the sales tax on food, which hits the poor unfairly and currently they are working to offer creative and practical ways to spur job creation in our state. They also have a terrific intern program, and several AA alums have earned that opportunity. We would like to donate 200 of our allotment to this organization.”
Statement - “Lastly, we are enthusiastic supporters of Think New Mexico, a non-partisan, results-oriented nonprofit that takes on one project at a time to improve life in New Mexico. They have been really successful over the years they have been in existence. Some of their projects have included helping to repeal the sales tax on food, which hits the poor unfairly and currently they are working to offer creative and practical ways to spur job creation in our state. They also have a terrific intern program, and several AA alums have earned that opportunity. We would like to donate 200 of our allotment to this organization.”
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