Award nominations open to honor Austin businesses who give back

AUSTIN, Texas – Oct. 15, 2015 - Austin Gives, a program of the Austin Chamber of Commerce, announced today that tennis superstar and philanthropist Andy Roddick will be the featured speaker at the annual Austin Gives Generous Business Awards luncheon scheduled for March 3, 2016 at the Four Seasons.

Roddick plans to share new details of the work he is doing to help close the learning gap for young people in the Greater Austin community through his charity, the Andy Roddick Foundation. He will also be joined by Richard Tagle, the Foundation’s CEO, who will talk about the goals to expand the Foundation’s school partnerships and support to other high-quality, out-of-school time programs to benefit more young people in the Austin region.

“We are excited to be part of an event that brings more attention to the hundreds of Austin Gives businesses who understand the importance and benefits of giving back to our local community,” said Roddick. “At the Foundation, we share a belief that talent is universal but opportunity is not. By focusing on providing high-quality learning opportunities during those times when children are not in classrooms, I know that the Foundation is helping close opportunity gaps especially in underserved neighborhoods of our city.”

Businesses in Austin Gives, a voluntary program with no costs to participants, donate one percent or more of their pre-tax earnings to the local community. This includes giving back through cash donations, volunteering and donations of products and services that strengthen the nonprofit sector. In August, Austin Gives surpassed the 300 company milestone, making it one of the most successful programs of its kind in the country.

“Andy is well known for his humanitarian efforts and he truly cares about the local community. Our team is thrilled to have him keynote our program as we shine the light on businesses that strengthen our communities,” said Jennifer Stevens, President and CEO, JHL Company and Chair of the Austin Gives leadership council.

Nomination for 2016 Austin Gives Generous Business Awards

During the luncheon, Austin Gives will announce winners of the 2016 Generous Business Awards, which recognize organizations that demonstrate exemplary business philanthropy. To be eligible, businesses must submit an application on the nomination page here by November 30, 2015.