Friends of Barton Springs Pool (FBSP) has joined Hill Country Conservancy (HCC) and four other not-for-profit groups in Austin on the third annual Give 5% to Mother Earth Day. Donations go to organizations which advocate for natural spaces, parks, and for our local water environment. It is a simple concept – on April 21st, simply use your purchasing power and support local businesses who will then give 5% of their gross profits (or more) to help organizations with cool missions but that rely on volunteer donations. This year, the HCC is hoping to increase donated funds from businesses to $35,000 compared to 2011’s $23,000. The FBSP will seek 15 businesses and already we have four willing to sponsor us. After February, the businesses will all be listed at www.austingive5.com.
- Title sponsor Whole Foods Market is contributing $10,000 and dedicating April 18 for the entire day to promote the Earth Day event on April 21. At both stores on Lamar/6th and Loop 360 near Stone Lake. Volunteers will set up tables to promote the event and there will be live music. We will definitely reach a lot of people who will then come out on the 21st!
- Tribeza will advertise each 5% or above business supporting the event, an ad placement worth more than the donation given by a business.
- Street banners will be placed across W 6th St and Mesa/Far West to promote the event for several days.
- Volunteers will be the Sunset Valley Farmers Market for 6 Saturdays in a roll to promote the supporting businesses and the 5% Earth Day event. The Friends will be there on March 31.
- Each of the 6 participating volunteer organizations will use direct mailings, social media messages, and blogs to further publicize the event.
- Each business is recognized on post cards distributed at the business to remind customers to come back.
- The 5% Day website will include links to each businesses’ website. Go to www.austingive5.com and check on supporting businesses and events
FBSP is very excited about the synergy volunteers from our organization, from HCC, Sierra Club, Clean Water Action, TreeFolks, and Texas Land Conservancy might accomplish this year. We are equally excited to work with so many locally-based businesses who do so much to make Austin the unique place it is.
Tom Weber
Advocacy Director