Trinity Center has always relied on the generosity of donors to keep our doors open and our services available to our downtown Austin neighbors. In the past few months, Trinity Center has expanded its offerings to serve more neighbors with meals, clothing, case management services, and loving hospitality.
Please help Trinity Center to continue to bring help, dignity, and respect to those in need in Austin. You can make a donation immediately by clicking on the "Donate" link or you can print and send in the Donor Pledge Card. Also please look for our Fall Campaign materials that you may have received in the mail.
Trinity Center's neighbors rely on us daily. And we rely on you to continue serving them and keep our doors open.
Thank you for your generosity and support.
March 1, 2011
“What people want is really very simple. They want America to be as good as its promise.” Barbara Jordan
Barbara Jordan Celebration & Luncheon — A huge, heartwarming success!
By Diane Holloway
Trinity Center Board Member/Volunteer
A full house and full hearts were the order of the day at Trinity Center’s annual Barbara Jordan Luncheon. On March 1, some 250 attendees gathered at the Hilton Hotel downtown for the fundraiser/celebration that brings together old and new donors, Trinity staff and volunteers and some of our beloved neighbors.
For those who may not know why Trinity’s main fundraiser is named after the late Austinite and U.S. Congresswoman, Barbara Jordan’s $100,000 bequeath in her will served as seed money for the Center. So we honor her every year for her generosity and to bring together a caring community.
Jennifer Stayton (Trinity Board member and KUT’s “Morning Edition” host) served as emcee and introduced executive director Irit Umani, who thanked everyone before introducing our distinguished speaker, filmmaker and author Turk Pipkin.
Co-founder of “The Nobelity Project,” Pipkin started his non-profit crusade after making a film in which he interviewed nine Nobel Laureates about the problems in the world. He followed that one up with “One Peace at a Time,” which offered possibilities for a peaceful and sustainable world.
“The problems are probably bigger than you think, but the solutions are probably a lot simpler and more within our grasp than you would think,” he said. Pipkin told the story of helping build schools in the poor village of Mahiga, Kenya — a project that started with the planting of a single tree and grew into a model for schools and community development in rural Africa. It is the subject of his next film, “Building Hope,” which debuts in April.
Pipkin’s story segued smoothly into the emotional highlight of the event: a from-the-heart speech by Darryl Brandenburg, a Trinity neighbor who wound up unemployed and homeless after personal and financial setbacks. He has recently become a licensed nursing assistant and is a few days away from moving into his own apartment.
“Trinity Center was the foundation for turning my life around,” Brandenburg said fighting back tears. “It is a unique place where I could go to be helped rather than be judged, and where I will come back as a volunteer.”
There wasn’t a dry eye in the ballroom as Brandenburg left the stage and walked into the open arms of a grateful audience. This is what Trinity Center is all about, and we are all so proud to be part of it. If you missed the Barbara Jordan Luncheon this year, don’t miss it next year. As several former strangers to Trinity remarked on the way out, “This place could change your life.” Indeed, it can.
GOOD NEWS FOR TRINITY CENTER: NEW GRANTS
Trinity Center is pleased to announce it has received two generous grants already in 2011! The Baxter Fund and the Women's Fund of Austin have each presented Trinity Center with $25,000. These grants are a real tribute to the Trinity Center staff and volunteers who work so hard to help the neighbors in need in downtown Austin. But we can always do more, and Trinity Center always relies on the generosity of donors to keep our operations going. Click here to donate to Trinity Center.
COMING IN FROM THE COLD: HELPING OUT DURING AUSTIN'S DEEP FREEZE
During Austin's frigid February weather, Trinity Center and St. David's opened their doors so neighbors could come in from the cold. Trinity Center stayed open for extended hours and when it filled up, neighbors were welcomed into Edens Gym at St. David's for movies and hospitality. A warm place to be and warm hearts have greeted Trinity Center's neighbors during this exceptionally cold winter.
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