Austins Top Workplace was a Finalist for Austin Gives 2014 GeneroCity Awards for Outstanding Philianthropic Efforts
AUSTIN, TX-- Realty Austin was honored as a finalist of the Austin Gives GeneroCity awards, a community program committed to recognizing and encouraging business philanthropy. Mayor Leffingwell kicked off the annual event at at the Four Seasons Hotel, followed by keynote speaker John Paul DeJoria who spoke on the importance of business philanthropy. This year’s finalists included Alt Creative, Sabre Commercial, Realty Austin, Silicon Labs and The Advisory Board Company. Realty Austin was a finalist in the Big Heart category.
Walter Moreau (Foundation Communities), Mayor Lee Leffingwell, and Realty Austin Co-Owner, Yvette Boatwright
As part of its core values, Realty Austin has made it their mission to serve the Austin community. In a partnership with its agents, the company supports local organizations that serve the affordable housing needs of low income families in the Austin area.Jonathan Boatwright, co-owner of Realty Austin said, As part of our corporate citizenship, we know we have a responsibility to look for ways to support local organizations that have a lasting impact on multiple generations. As part of our ongoing charitable giving, our team has made a real impact on the Austin community by embracing programs like Habitat for Humanity and Foundation Communities. Our agents are able to give of themselves through their time, skills, and resources, which makes the experience even more positive.The Austin Gives GeneroCity Award Program was created to recognize Austin businesses that are leaders in giving back to community-based, nonprofit organizations. Each year, one small, one medium and one large business is recognized at the annual GeneroCity Awards celebration. Award recipients are selected by a panel of local community leaders. Due to Austin Gives increasing success and visibility, the organization achieved its second milestone of reaching over 200 members in 2013.Debbie Johnson, executive director of Austin Gives said, “In our second year, we are ecstatic to reach our goal of 200 Austin Gives members in 2013. We are also extremely fortunate to have the support of local community leaders that enable our organization to celebrate our members for their generosity, not only at the GeneroCity Awards celebration, but year round as well. ” Yvette Boatwright, co-owner of Realty Austin said, Community service is a cornerstone of our culture that stems directly from our core mission as a company. Participating in worthy causes together as a team, makes it one of the most rewarding aspects of our jobs.
Habitat for Humanity
In 2012 and 2013, Realty Austin’s team of agents and staff gave a $65,000 donation to Austin Habitat for Humanity, and worked alongside the future homeowners to build a new home. More than 160 Realty Austin agents and staff filled the volunteer roster, and raised hammers to contribute to the companys builds. The companys 2014 plans are underway.Kelly Weiss, Executive Director of Austin Habitat for Humanity said, I applaud Jonathan and Yvette for creating a giving company culture at Realty Austin. They demonstrate the best qualities of community leadership.Jonathan Boatwright, co-owner of Realty Austin said, The blood, sweat, and happy tears we shared during our Habitat for Humanity experiences will never be forgotten. We were inspired by the hard work and determination of the families, and our passion to help others achieve their dreams of homeownership is stronger than ever.Sarah Joiner, Austin Habitat for Humanity said, The partnership with Realty Austin is a reminder of why I love working with volunteers and Habitat for Humanity. The Realty Austin is leadership was enthusiastic, organized, committed, and fantastic at coordinating all of the crucial details. That resulted in a volunteer/sponsor relationship that exceeded the expectations of our entire Austin Habitat for Humanity team. Realty Austin should be very proud of the homes they build for deserving families…their smiles say it all
Foundation Communities
In 2012 and again in 2013, Realty Austin’s team of agents and staff solidified their commitment to Foundation Communities and gave $65,000 in donations both years. Realty Austin took its commitment to the next level by helping to raise record-breaking pledges at the annual fundraiser by sponsoring the match fund. In addition, the company serves the nonprofit by hosting regular supper clubs and providing backpacks and school supplies to over 90 families.Walter Moreau, Executive Director of Foundation Communities said, Jonathan and Yvette have been supporters of Foundation Communities for a long time now. They came to us and said they wanted to do more to help us meet the growing need for affordable housing in Austin. We were thrilled to partner with their booming local business for our fundraising events of the year. Both were a huge success. Realty Austin helped us inspire more people than ever to give. We are incredibly grateful for their partnership and generosity.
Debbie Johnson (Habitat for Humanity), Yvette Boatwright, and Walter Moreau (Foundation Communities)
Yvette Boatwright, co-owner of Realty Austin said, Foundation Communities is a true hero in Austin. The organization continues to make a positive and lasting impact in the lives of our neighbors who are struggling to make ends meet. Our team is proud to be working hand-in-hand with Foundation Communities on a solution for our city, where the cost of living has increased 85 over the last ten years. In this video, Yvette addresses the importance of giving back to the community.Jonathan Boatwright, co-owner of Realty Austin said, Helping Walter and Foundation Communities remains a top priority for our team. It is a core organization of our community and we are proud to roll up our sleeves to help them succeed. As a Home Builder for the past five years, Yvette and I have been passionate about their mission, and believe its vision is long-lasting into the future of Austin.Peachy Myers, Community Director of Foundation Communities said, Weve had so much fun working with Realty Austin They understand our mission to help local families succeed and continue to find creative ways to support our work in Austin. From inspiring community members to give to us, to volunteering in our educational, financial stability, and healthy living programs, their generosity is boundless.
About Austin Gives
Austin Gives is a nonprofit organization committed to encouraging and recognizing business philanthropy in the Austin, Texas, community. This community program resulted from a collaborative effort amongst the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, Entrepreneurs Foundation of Central Texas, United Way for Greater Austin, Austin Community Foundation and I Live Here, I Give Here. All businesses that commit to giving one percent or more of pre-tax earnings to local charities, regardless of company size, are invited to join Austin Gives at no charge. Austin Gives then recognizes the generosity of its members’ philanthropic efforts at the organization’s annual award ceremony and through traditional and social media throughout the year. In addition, Austin Gives hosts year-round complimentary information sessions for business leaders and nonprofits to further encourage participation in philanthropic giving. After surpassing member numbers experienced by similar programs in Denver and Minneapolis that have existed for 20 or more years, Austin Gives, after only two years, is comprised of over 200 members and remains committed to putting Austin on the map as best-in-class in philanthropic giving. To learn more information about Austin Gives, visit www.austingives.net, email info@austingives.net.