Escape into a Cause

We sat down with Meagan Anderson Longley, Chief Impact Officer at Austin Community Foundation, to talk about what it really means to invest in Central Texas.

Often described as a charitable bank, ACF serves as a trusted philanthropic partner for individuals, families, and businesses across Central Texas, connecting donors to the causes they care about most while responding to urgent and long term community needs.

Want to earn some ‘good bragging’ rights? Here’s how you can get involved:

Become a Fundholder
👉 https://www.austincf.org/give/ways-to-give/

Volunteer
👉 https://www.austincf.org/give/volunteer/

Attend Austin in Common - Join on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM for an evening of connection, celebration, and investment in the future of Austin.
👉 https://www.austincf.org/austin-in-common/

🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or Spotify.

Special thanks to our sponsor Nightlight Insurance for making this episode possible!

Catch new episodes of Escape Into a Cause every third Thursday of the month. 🎙

Next up is Austin Community Foundation on February 19.

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube as we talk about generosity, impact, and what it truly means to invest in Austin.

We sat down with Marcus Cantu from Pop Up Birthday to learn how they make sure children connected to CPS care across Central Texas feel seen and celebrated on their birthday. Through personalized birthday boxes filled with gifts, party supplies, and thoughtful touches, Pop Up Birthday serves children at every stage of care across a 31-county region.

Want to earn some 'good bragging' rights? Here’s how you can get involved:

Donate – Help keep birthday celebrations going for children connected to foster care by supporting personalized birthday boxes.
👉 https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/EFq2dF90eToF6v7eprAMfg

Become a Birthday Buddy – Shop for a specific child’s birthday through a personalized registry and help make their birthday wishes come true. Gifts are wrapped and finalized by the Pop Up Birthday team.
👉 https://popupbirthday.org/shop/

Volunteer – Support the mission through individual, group, or corporate volunteer opportunities. Volunteers are the engine behind every celebration.
👉 https://popupbirthday.org/volunteer/

Attend the Boot Scootin’ Birthday Bash – Join Pop Up Birthday for their annual fundraiser on Friday, February 20 at 6:30 PM at the Etter Harbin Alumni Center. Enjoy western-inspired food, live country music, line dancing, and a mechanical bull while helping fund birthday celebrations for children throughout the year.
👉 https://hellofund.io/app/public/bidapp/popupbirthday

Want a chance to win Texas Stars tickets? Sign up to learn how to get involved through the link in our bio or post your good bragging rights using and DM us.

🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or Spotify.

Thank you to our sponsor Nightlight Insurance for making this episode possible.

We sat down with Kristin Coulter, COO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas, to learn how RMHC CTX keeps families with critically ill or injured children together and close to the care they need. ❤️

For 40 years, RMHC CTX has provided a “home away from home” with free lodging, warm meals, play areas, laundry, and support services so parents can focus on their child’s healing. Families also find comfort and community with others going through the same journey.

Want to earn some ‘good bragging’ rights? Here's how:

Donate – Join the Family Support Club starting at $10/month or give a one-time gift to help families feel at home.
👉 https://www.rmhc-ctx.org/online-fundraiser?form=donate

Volunteer – Whether it’s a one-time project or a recurring role, your time creates a lasting impact and truly makes the House a Home. Group volunteering is also welcome!
👉 https://www.rmhc-ctx.org/volunteer

Shop their Amazon Wishlist – Help families focus on what matters most by sending high-priority essentials directly to the House.
👉 https://www.rmhc-ctx.org/wish-list

Want to win Texas Stars tickets? Post your bragging rights using and DM us or sign up to get involved (link in bio)!

🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or Spotify.

Special thanks to our sponsor Nightlight Insurance for making this episode possible!

We sat down with Dr. Aaron Alarcon, CEO of Family Eldercare, to hear how this amazing non-profit is helping older adults and adults with disabilities live independently in Central Texas. ❤️

From in-home support and peer groups to financial advocacy and housing assistance, they provide the tools people need to live with dignity, stability, and connection. Last year alone, they helped nearly 16,000 people stay independent, reduce isolation, and improve overall well-being.

Want to earn some ‘good bragging’ rights? Here’s how you can get involved:

Donate – Your gift helps provide housing and essential services for older adults and adults with disabilities and every dollar is matched through December 31 to double your impact.
👉 https://familyeldercare.donorsupport.co/page/EOY2025

Attend a Friend-Raiser – Tour one of Family Eldercare’s communities, hear from the people they serve, and connect with others while learning about their life-changing programs.
👉 https://www.familyeldercare.org/events/

Volunteer – Bring companionship, help with errands or finances, or make special events brighter for residents and create meaningful connections along the way.
👉 https://www.familyeldercare.org/volunteer-program/

🎧 Episode out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube!

Want a chance to win Texas Stars tickets? Sign up to learn how to get involved (link in bio) or post your bragging rights using and DM us!

A huge thank you to Nightlight Insurance for sponsoring this episode.

We sat down with Selina Serna, Executive Director, and Shannon Fohn, Board VP, at Project Schoolhouse!

Project Schoolhouse believes every child deserves a quality education, every community deserves clean water, and schools can be the foundation for stronger, sustainable communities. They work with local communities to build schools, provide clean water, and improve sanitation, helping families keep kids in the classroom. Focused in rural Nicaragua, many villages are remote, lack basic utilities, and families survive on less than $2/day. By addressing education, water, and sanitation together, Project Schoolhouse creates lasting, community-driven change.

Want to earn some ‘good bragging’ rights? Here's how:

Donate: Supplies, books, and monthly contributions directly support schools, clean water, and sanitation projects in rural Nicaragua.
👉 https://www.projectschoolhouse.org/donate/

Volunteer: Join a Service Adventure Tour to help build schools and water systems while connecting with local communities firsthand.
👉 https://www.projectschoolhouse.org/careers-and-volunteer-opportunities/

Join Impact Hour: Dec 4 · 5 PM at Lazarus Brewing Co. · Enjoy drinks while learning how small actions make a big difference for children.
👉 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/impact-hours-with-project-schoolhouse-tickets-1824674072269

Stay connected: Follow Project Schoolhouse and subscribe to their newsletter to learn more and get involved.
👉 https://www.projectschoolhouse.org/newsletter/

Want to win Texas Stars tickets? Post your bragging rights using and DM us or sign up to get involved (link in bio)!

🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or Spotify.

Special thanks to our sponsor Nightlight Insurance for making this episode possible!