Escape into a Cause

Escape Into Tango Charities

We're excited to welcome Will Mattingly, the Austin, TX (Zilker) leader for Tango Charities, to the conversation! 🎙️ Tango Charities is a hunger-focused nonprofit that works to feed, educate, and empower communities through healthy and nutritious food initiatives. Since officially becoming a nonprofit in 2020, the organization has continued to expand its impact, helping provide more than 7 million meals to partner organizations across the globe after more than a decade of hunger relief efforts. Before we escape into Tango Charities, Steph and Courtney dive into what it really means to show up for nonprofits. What if giving back felt less like a responsibility and more like something people genuinely wanted to be part of? Ways Tango Charities makes an Impact: Fighting Hunger Through Feed The City – Bringing communities together through volunteer meal-packing events that provide millions of meals to families, seniors, veterans, and children facing hunger. Building Community Through Service – Hosting events across dozens of cities that make giving back accessible, engaging, and community-driven. Empowering Long-Term Change – Focusing not just on feeding people today, but on educating and empowering communities for the future. How to Get Involved & Earn Some 'Bragging Rights':✨ Volunteer at a Feed The City event 👉 https://www.tangocharities.org/feed-the-city [https://www.tangocharities.org/feed-the-city] ✨Be part of Tango Charities' Guinness World Record attempt for the longest line of sandwiches on June 13, 2026 👉 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tango-charities-guinness-world-record-event-longest-line-of-sandwiches-tickets-1986456337379 [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tango-charities-guinness-world-record-event-longest-line-of-sandwiches-tickets-1986456337379] ✨Join Feed The Country on September 19, 2026, a nationwide day of service bringing together 100+ communities 👉 https://www.tangocharities.org/country [https://www.tangocharities.org/country] ✨ Donate — every $1 provides 4 meals to someone facing hunger 👉 https://www.tangocharities.org/donate [https://www.tangocharities.org/donate] Special Thanks: A huge thank you to Nightlight Insurance Agency for making this podcast possible and your donation to WSP. We also appreciate Todd Thompson for editing & mixing, Ashlynne O'Neal for content management, Graham Thompson for the music, and Cory McKane at Just Push Record Studios.

Escape Into Breakthrough T1D

We're excited to welcome Jenna Medford, Chapter Director of the Greater Austin Chapter at Breakthrough T1D, to the conversation! 🎙️ Founded in 1970, Breakthrough T1D was started by families who refused to accept a type 1 diabetes diagnosis as the end of the story. Today, it has grown into a global movement focused on funding research, advocating for policy change, and connecting communities to better resources and care. By bringing together scientists, lawmakers, and families, they're turning research into real progress and showing up for people living with T1D every day. While the long-term goal is a cure, the work happening now is already changing what life with T1D can look like. Before we escape into Breakthrough T1D, Steph and Courtney dive into how AI is changing everything and what it could mean for the future of nonprofits. What if it actually helps organizations do more good and reach more people than ever before? Ways Breakthrough T1D makes an Impact: Advancing Life-Changing Research – Funding innovative work to cure, prevent, and better treat type 1 diabetes and its complications. Driving Policy & Access to Care – Advocating alongside elected officials to improve access to treatments and support for the T1D community. Building Stronger Communities – Connecting and supporting individuals and families navigating life with T1D, from diagnosis and beyond. How to Get Involved & Earn Some 'Bragging Rights': 💙 Donate — Become a monthly donor to help fund research year-round and move us closer to curing, preventing, and better treating T1D. 👉 https://www.breakthrought1d.org/ways-to-give/monthly-giving/ [https://www.breakthrought1d.org/ways-to-give/monthly-giving/] 🙋 Volunteer — Support local events like OneParty and OneClassic, or get involved with the Austin community. 🌟 Upcoming Events: Join Breakthrough T1D Austin OneParty on Saturday, April 18, 2026, or the OneClassic golf tournament on April 16, 2026 at Falconhead Golf Club. 👉 https://www.breakthrought1d.org/greateraustintx/events/breakthrough-t1d-austin-oneparty-2026/ [https://www.breakthrought1d.org/greateraustintx/events/breakthrough-t1d-austin-oneparty-2026/?fbclid=IwY2xjawRCfNtleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFtZGhaR25QTGNQMVhjNENSc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHrC3nrimfSNrnA7aiCt4haY98rdEibTIeGwdtbDh6UTWN5ucISdgnE6ZWLJM_aem_WFjQa0YfDeRMaZck8k9BFg&tab=event--sponsorship-opportunities] Take part in the Breakthrough T1D Walk on November 8, 2026 at PopStroke (13000 Harris Ridge Blvd, Austin, TX). 👉 https://www2.breakthrought1d.org/site/TR?fr_id=10726&pg=informational&type=fr_informational&sid=2452 [https://www2.breakthrought1d.org/site/TR?fr_id=10726&pg=informational&type=fr_informational&sid=2452] Special Thanks: A huge thank you to Nightlight Insurance Agency for making this podcast possible and your donation to WSP. We also appreciate Todd Thompson for editing & mixing, Ashlynne O'Neal for content management, Graham Thompson for the music, and Cory McKane at Just Push Record Studios.

Escape Into Women's Storybook Project

Connection between a mother and child does not have to be lost, even from a distance. We're excited to welcome Jill Gonzalez, Executive Director at Women's Storybook Project, to the conversation 🎙️ Women's Storybook Project helps incarcerated mothers stay connected with their children by recording stories and messages of love and sending them alongside books. These recordings allow children to hear their mother's voice, bringing comfort and reminding them they are loved and not forgotten. Through this program, mothers participate monthly to choose and record books for their children, creating meaningful moments of connection that last far beyond the recording. Before we escape into WSP, Steph and Courtney dive into taxes and giving. There are several tax law changes for 2026 you should know about when thinking about tracking your donations. Ways Women's Storybook Project makes an Impact: Strengthening Family Bonds – Helping children hear their mother's voice and maintain connection despite distance. Providing Comfort Through Storytelling – Sending books and recordings that bring reassurance, love, and emotional support. Creating Meaningful Opportunities for Mothers – Giving moms a way to show up for their children with intention, care, and love. How to Get Involved & Earn Some 'Bragging Rights': Donate – A small gift can help provide books, recordings, and resources that keep families connected. 👉 https://storybookproject.org/donate-now/ [https://storybookproject.org/donate-now/] Volunteer – From prison visits to event support, volunteers play a vital role in making this program possible 👉 https://storybookproject.org/volunteer/ [https://storybookproject.org/volunteer/] Attend an event – Austin Fundraising Luncheon: Thursday, April 24 at the Austin Country Club San Antonio Fundraising Luncheon: Thursday, May 22 at the Witte Museum 👉 https://storybookproject.org/luncheon/ [https://storybookproject.org/luncheon/] Special Thanks: A huge thank you to Nightlight Insurance Agency for making this podcast possible and your donation to WSP. We also appreciate Todd Thompson for editing & mixing, Ashlynne O'Neal for content management, Graham Thompson for the music, and Cory McKane at Just Push Record Studios.

Escape Into Austin Community Foundation

The next 25 years are going to change the way we give. Are nonprofits ready for women and younger generations who care more about causes than organizations? We're excited to welcome Meagan Anderson Longley, Chief Impact Officer at Austin Community Foundation, to the conversation! 🎙️ Often described as a charitable bank, Austin Community Foundation partners with individuals, families, and businesses across Central Texas to connect them with the causes they care about most. Guided by research and community insights, ACF helps address both urgent needs and long-term challenges, making sure every gift creates lasting impact. Ways Austin Community Foundation makes an Impact: Expanding Housing Opportunities – Investing in the protection, preservation, and production of affordable housing for a thriving Central Texas. Supporting Nonprofits – Providing grants and resources to organizations tackling the most critical and evolving community needs. Strategic Philanthropy – Partnering with individuals, families, and businesses to create customized giving strategies that maximize impact across generations. How to Get Involved & Earn Some Bragging Rights: Become a Fundholder - Partner with Austin Community Foundation to create a customized giving strategy that aligns with your passions and priorities while building long term impact for Central Texas. 👉 https://www.austincf.org/give/ways-to-give/ Volunteer - Support Central Texas from home by reviewing scholarship applications that help students reach college and career goals or by reviewing grant applications that address urgent and systemic needs. 👉 https://www.austincf.org/give/volunteer/ Attend Austin in Common - Join Austin Community Foundation 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/ How to Do Some Good in Austin & Get Rewarded 🏒 + 🎟️ = 💚 Sign up for updates on causes you care about or share your #GoodBrag showing how you've volunteered or donated—then DM us for a chance to win Texas Stars tickets! Follow along: 👉 Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571551373330] 👉 Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/escapeintoacause/] Special Thanks: A huge thank you to Nightlight Insurance Agency for making this podcast possible. We also appreciate Todd Thompson for editing & mixing, Ashlynne O'Neal for content management, Graham Thompson and Jaden Dyer for the music, and Cory McKane at Just Push Record Studios.

Escape Into Pop-Up Birthday

Happy New Year! Do you have any goals for 2026 to connect and give back more? If not, we share some tips. Then we sit down with Marcus Cantu, Executive Director at Pop-Up Birthday to talk about why celebration matters, how birthdays can create a sense of belonging for children in CPS care, and how small, intentional moments can make a lasting impact. Pop-Up Birthday provides personalized birthday party boxes to children in foster care, ensuring every child they serve is recognized and celebrated on their special day. Each box includes everything needed to create a fun and meaningful birthday experience. Ways Pop-Up Birthday makes an Impact: Creating Joyful Memories – Personalized birthday boxes bring celebration and happiness to children in foster care. Providing Essential Supplies – Each box includes party supplies and gifts, ensuring no child misses out on the fun. Building Community Support – Partnering with volunteers and organizations to make every birthday special. How to Get Involved & Earn Some Bragging Rights: 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 How to Do Some Good in Austin & Get Rewarded 🏒 + 🎟️ = 💚 Sign up for updates on causes you care about or share your #GoodBrag showing how you've volunteered or donated—then DM us for a chance to win Texas Stars tickets! Follow along: 👉 Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571551373330] 👉 Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/escapeintoacause/] Special Thanks: A huge thank you to Nightlight Insurance Agency for making this podcast possible. We also appreciate Todd Thompson for editing & mixing, Ashlynne O'Neal for content management, Graham Thompson and Jaden Dyer for the music, and Cory McKane at Just Push Record Studios.