This is what matters; Austin collaborating, coordinating, and kicking off efforts throughout the city and on behalf of everyone. Hard to believe that just four days ago, Friday night, reacting to the news, a handful of Austin leaders looked at one another and said, “we need to rally.” Now, with dozens of partners, our focus on the economy and small businesses is complemented by countless others supporting the artists, producers, hospitality and service professionals, and more.
When Troublemaker shared this call to #StandWithAustin, in music, I have a few times felt so proud to be part of this city; to know that we all stand together as we #RallyAustin.
The Austin Community Foundations’ Stand With Austin Fund will grant all donations received to local nonprofits to help distribute assistance.
It was in that shared vision that we sketched some goals to look to align with everyone’s exceptional efforts:
- Help Visitors and Austinites navigate the cancellation of SXSW
- Celebrate local businesses such as our host: Inn Cahoots
- Host key small businesses, local leaders, government officials, and press, Monday night
- Explore Funded House and the role of investors in our economy
- Produce the stories of what Austin is experiencing and doing
- Create a forum for corporate partners to support the economy
As we look to do that, we’re looking to Austin’s other efforts and I want to share this as a resource to help you find where you can get involved best.
The Red River Cultural District pulled together with an incredible set of businesses and associations to Band Together ATX; created to help provide financial relief to artists, venues and events within the district. As of Tuesday, within 3 days, Band Together ATX has raised $18,000 out of its $100,000 goal.
Southern Smoke has started a “Relief for Austin” fund with 90 percent of all donations to help service industry workers in local restaurants and bars.
T3 ThinkTank’s South by Southbest, reached its inaugural goal of $5,000 within and stretched further to $10,000. From March 13-22, they’re distributing everything to hospitality and service staff, bands, and others in the form of “surprise tips” around town.
Step Outside and Ruckify are working together to host the #RALLYup Wellness on Sunday, 3/15 from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at The Venue ATX to support local businesses who were planning to exhibit at the SXSW Wellness expo. The community can enjoy live music and great food from our rebounding gig community and participate in interactive discussions with Austin creatives.
Explore the musicians, artists, and workers who lost work in the cancellation, at ILostMyGig.com. Everyone’s Venmo account is featured so you can donate directly. Bands and other artists in need of other places to perform can join Travis Sutherland’s Band Refugees via that form there and any venues willing to help should just reach out to Travis Sutherland at travis@utopiafest.com.
Harold Cook, Capital Tonight Show contributor, has pushed to Twitter: #TipforTwo. The easiest way to make a difference for many of those most struggling? Double the tip.
March 12-22, The Eleanor is opening its doors at 6 p.m. each night for Hands Please!, an Unofficial SXSW Service Industry Give Back. Invited are bartenders and staff to work with a guaranteed minimum pay and with half of the proceeds to be donated to the United States Bartenders Guild and the Austin Food & Wine Alliance.
Let’s continue to Rally, let everyone know here that you are going to Rally Austin with us.
And join us all at Inn Cahoots on Monday night RSVP here.
