February 15, 2008

Austin Community College News

Check out Breakthrough student Manuel talking about Austin Community College's Early College Start program on YouTube!  Breakthrough encourages all of its students to take free college classes through this program.  We help our 10th graders with the application and enrollment process.

July 27, 2006

History Day Fair
Breakthrough held its first annual History Day Fair on The University of Texas campus. The fair consisted of 12 student finalists who, after competing against 80+ other Breakthrough student presentations, presented to a panel of judges, using the standards of the National History Day Competition. The theme this year was Triumph and Tragedy in History, which students related to the 1965 Grape Strike, the work and life of Cesar Chavez, and the immigration issues of today. First, Second, and Third place awards were presented by Representative Eddie Rodriguez. Breakthrough students presented him with a memento of thanks for representing his constituents, and showing leadership in the Texas legislature for families. AT&T was the Honorary Sponsor of this year's History Day Fair. Pictured above are Breakthrough supporter and History Day Fair judge Jose Ofman, Representative Eddie Rodriguez, Breakthrough Executive Director Jessica D'Arcy, Breakthrough Development Committee Chair Ted Whatley, and AT&T Director of External Affairs Eva Munoz.

February 6, 2008

Havard Business School Alumni donate to BreakthroughThe Harvard Business School Alumni Association of Austin recently held an event and named Breakthrough as the beneficiary of the proceeds raised. On February 6, Breakthrough received a check for $3,000. We are grateful to the Harvard Business School Alumni Association of Austin and their support of Breakthrough’s mission and programs.

Top:  Gabriel, Kelly, Douglas Plummer, Gillian Coates, Kirsten St. Croix, Barry Aidman, Bill Loven, James

Bottom: Yariselis, Rebecca

January 8, 2008 

Innovative Corporate Giving  

Breakthrough was fortunate to receive a donation recently from Texas Realty Capital as part of their “Funding the Future” Campaign. Texas Realty Capital specializes in debt and equity financing solutions for commercial real estate. When establishing their company, founders John Morran and Jim Lemos decided to set up a giving program. It was important that giving back to the community be an integral part of the culture of the company. From the beginning, they knew they wanted to focus on organizations that support youth, environment and services for the future of the Austin area.

John and Jim agreed to take 3% of the revenues received from each loan closing and set it aside in a separate fund from which charitable gifts would be made. It makes each closing mean something more than just funding a loan because they know that hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars from each closing will go back into the community. Towards the end of each year, everyone on staff recommends an organization they would like to submit for consideration. After research and discussion, the employees vote on the division and recipients of the monies collected.

When asked why his company chose Breakthrough, John Morran said “Breakthrough provides a great opportunity to help students in our community achieve a higher level of education than they would likely not obtain without the extra support and guidance (our program) offers. This will not only help them on a personal level in terms of self-esteem and quality of life, but it will help our community as they advance in their careers after school and serve as role models to their peers and families. We like to support programs that actively touch people’s lives on a personal level but can also have a multiplier effect for the benefit of the whole community.”

We are grateful to this innovative giving strategy of Texas Realty Capital.