National Alliance on Mental Illness 5K Fundraiser Event
On Saturday, September 30th, the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Central Texas held their fundraiser walk. It started at the Long Center for the Performing Arts and went through downtown Austin.
They had almost 800 participants (among 102 teams) that raised $243,464!
The schedule of events included:
Speakers from the Community
Recognition of the top fundraisers
5k walk
Festival with family-friendly activities as well as food trucks and a band.
Their motto is “All together – For Mental Health For All”
If you’d like to learn more about NAMI’s work – check out their website.
Did you know that 1 in 5 Americans live with a mental health condition? If you’d like to donate, every dollar is appreciated.
NAMI provides education, support and resources to our local community – from schools to workplaces to individual families.
Please check out some of my favorite images from the event and contact me if you’d like information on event photography in Austin, Texas.
Exploring Bull Creek District Park for High School Senior Pictures This mom requested a nature spot for her son's Senior Photo Session. After I sent some options (Pease Park, Commons Ford Ranch, etc.), they picked Bull Creek. Recent rains meant the water was flowing...
Do you want to donate your time and talent as a photographer to help your community?
If so, I’ve made a list of my Top 10 Ideas below – but any non-profit organization you care about would gladly welcome photographs to help tell their story.
SCHOOLS – As a parent of two kids in Austin public schools, I always donate a portrait session to the yearly school fundraiser. Besides donating a session, you could also volunteer to photograph school activities for their website, social media and teacher newsletters.
I like to create themed photo booths for school fundraisers and events.
Volunteering with House Rabbit Rescue in Pflugerville, TX.
3. URBAN FARMS – you can reach out to Urban Roots, Green Gate Farms, Boggy Creek Farm to volunteer to document their work (as well as work in their fields). You may also come home with some fresh veggies.
Welcome Sign at Urban Roots Farm in Austin, TX
Welcome Board at Green Gate Farms in South Austin.
CSA Veggies from Green Gate Farms.
4. ADOPTION – Reach out to the Heart Gallery with Partnerships for Children to take portraits of children available for adoption in Austin. Help them find loving families.
5. SMALL BUSINESSES – Do you enjoy branding sessions for small business owners? If so, the EGBI (Economic Growth Business Incubator) is looking for volunteer photographers to help take photos of the small business owners they serve.
6. AUSTIN PARKS – Do you love spending time in Austin’s many parks? Contact the Austin Parks Foundation for opportunities on how your photography can help their department.
7. DONATE OLD GEAR – Besides donating your time, you can also donate equipment. Donate your photography gear to help another generation tell their stories. Reach out to Youth in Focus, Photo Start or PhotoVoice.
8. CANCER PATIENTS – The Gold Hope Project connects photographers with pediatric cancer patients to take portraits for their families.
9. TEACH – Reach out to local schools or clubs to share your knowledge as a professional photographer. Career Day anyone?
10. VOLUNTOURING – Not in Austin, but if you’d like to travel as a photographer and don’t mind paying some expenses – check out Voluntouring or Photographers without Borders for international opportunities to use your photography skills.
The 39th annual Viva La Vida Parade celebrating Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) rolled down Congress Avenue once again. This Mexicarte Museum sponsored parade is the longest running one in Austin, Texas.
This event had hands-on art activities, traditional foods, local artists and retail booths, low-riders, and live performances throughout the day. The Day of the Dead Parade had plenty of colorful costumes and dance exhibitions. See some favorites below.