Number 1 05.13.10 Dreams Come True http://bit.ly/9c6jmh
According the CharityNavigator.org the Austin Community Foundation gives almost 70% of its money directly toward the programs it promotes, leaving only 30% to admin, fundraising, and other costs. On a national level this places the ACF higher than average for any charity in the US in terms of efficiency and social impact. The Dreams Come True Foundation is associated with the ACF and thus gets my vote for the top Leap for the week as you know the organization's distribution of finances will be administrated properly by association with such a top ranking organization. The event itself is also a lot of fun: highlights of the success stories from the program, an auction for items people might actually need, the best Texan gourmet food available (Stubbs BBQ all the way folks!), awesome live music, entertainment, prizes and surprises.... This event hits all the right notes for having fun and doing good.
At $50 a ticket, it's not cheap, but at least you know your money is going to a good cause and the value of the experience for the night is well worth the investment. Have fun, do good and help more people's dreams come true.
Number 2 05.13.10 Dinner By the Bite http://bit.ly/dke7dl
The PAWS network of non-profit humane shelters consistently score high on a national level as an organization that puts its money where its animals are. The event itself is also a delight for gourmands: food will be provided from 4 different restaurants, with cooking demos and underwritten beer from Jester King Brewery - a truly awesome event for those with a discerning palate.
Number 3 05.13.10 AMoA Benefit http://bit.ly/92n6UK
Let's see: art, music, wine, food ... all for FREE if you RSVP, and only $5 on the door if you don't?! Craziness, but also a great Leap to have on this week's list. Support the Austin Museum of Art. Get your culture on folks!
Number 4 05.15.10 Austin Theatre Gala http://bit.ly/d6rZIY
From free to elegance, the historic Paramount Theatre is putting on an event to truly dazzle - Grammy Award winner Delbert McClinton headlines, followed by Austin's own The Gourds, and an after party with SKYROCKET! - you can't have a great Austin Leap without having awesome music. This event is no exception and the combo of entertainers, delectable food and drink, and dancing is a great way to raise funds for an Austin icon.
Number 5 05.15.10 Fight for Air Climb http://bit.ly/dk5tIu
But maybe glam + glitz + fine food isn't your thing? If you're the kind of person that wants to WORK for your charitable donation, the American Lung Association certainly will with this event aimed at challenging Austinites to race to the top of the Frost Bank Tower. That's 30 vertical stories folks. Feel like you can do it? Able to raise $100 for the cause? Whatever happens, if you take this on, you'll definitely have a new found respect for healthy lungs!
That's my selection for the top 5 for this week. Still can't find something for you? There's over 40+ Leaps (and growing) to be found in Austin this May on our website at
http://www.leapanywhere.com/events/2010/5/in/austinCheck it out now! Sign up for an event, have fun, do good, inspire others. Win-win for all :)
Glide
Top 5 Most Fun Most Impact Leaps for Austin for the Week of 05.10.10 to 05.16.10
