How One Volunteer is Fueling the Future for First-Gen Students

“I believe education is a fundamental right and a cause worth championing. I participate because I want to make a tangible difference in the lives of students and families. Amplify Austin provides a platform to amplify the impact of Breakthrough by mobilizing the community to support their important work financially and raise awareness about their mission.”

-Elizabeth Hunt, Breakthrough Volunteer, Supporter & Advocate

Elizabeth’s Breakthrough experience as a volunteer, supporter, and champion has deepened her understanding of the critical role education plays in creating pathways to opportunity. By sharing her experience, she hopes she can inspire others to take action and support Breakthrough on Amplify Austin Day, a 24-hour day of giving in our community, happening on March 6-7.

Whether you volunteer, donate, or advocate for Breakthrough Central Texas, every contribution makes a difference in the lives of students and the community as a whole. Read more below.

Q&A with Longtime Volunteer & Supporter, Elizabeth Hunt

Tell us about yourself. How long have you been in Austin? What issues do you care about? What initially drew you to support Breakthrough?

ELIZABETH | Our family moved to Austin over 23 years ago. I love the bluebonnets in the spring, the symphony and other live music, the libraries and trails (except during the summer when I love to escape the Austin heat.) I have worked for and volunteered with several nonprofits over the last 20 years. Education equity and providing homes and supportive communities for those coming out of homelessness are two of the most important issues to me.

I started my journey with Breakthrough as a volunteer writing college coach, helping seniors with college applications and essays. I love getting to know the students I work with, and I’m always inspired by their resilience, curiosity and perseverance.

Tell us about your past involvement as both a donor and peer-to-peer fundraiser for Breakthrough on Amplify Austin Day. Why did you do it, and why do you believe it is a cause worth championing?

ELIZABETH | I believe education is a fundamental right and a cause worth championing. I participate because I want to make a tangible difference in the lives of students and families. Amplify Austin provides a platform to amplify the impact of Breakthrough by mobilizing the community to support their important work financially and raise awareness about their mission.

What advice would you give someone considering getting involved with Breakthrough or participating in events like Amplify Austin?

ELIZABETH | Start by learning about Breakthrough’s mission and impact. Whether you volunteer, donate, or advocate for their cause, every contribution makes a difference in the lives of students and the community as a whole. My experience with BT has deepened my understanding of the critical role education plays in breaking the cycle of poverty and creating pathways to opportunity. I hope that sharing my experiences can inspire others to take action and support Breakthrough Central Texas.

What motivates you to continue supporting Breakthrough, and how do you stay engaged with our mission beyond fundraising events like Amplify Austin?

ELIZABETH | I see the tangible outcomes of Breakthrough programs and the transformative impact they have on student’s lives. I plan to stay engaged with their mission through volunteering and mentoring students.

Tell us about one of your most meaningful experiences with Breakthrough.

ELIZABETH |One of the most meaningful experiences and conversations I have had was when my husband, Martin, and I attended a volunteer appreciation event. We sat with a recent Breakthrough college graduate and her mother at the dinner. They shared how much BT had impacted not just the young woman, but the entire family. Their story about how BT staff and volunteers had walked alongside them throughout middle school, high school and college was inspiring and hopeful. They were so grateful and expressed the desire to give back to BT and the community that had supported them.

Looking ahead, what are your hopes and aspirations for the future of Breakthrough Central Texas?

ELIZABETH | My hope is to see continued growth and expansion of BT’s wonderful programs to reach even more students who will become the first in their families to earn a college degree.

HELP FUEL THE FUTURE OF BREAKTHROUGH

With supporters like Elizabeth on our side, we’re revving up the engines to Fuel the Future of Breakthrough students on Amplify Austin Day 2024! On March 6th & 7th, over 50,000 supporters across the region will come together to champion more than 700 nonprofits, including Breakthrough Central Texas! This is the moment where our city’s generosity truly shines.

At Breakthrough, Amplify isn’t just a fundraising event; it’s our chance to create awareness for education equity in Central Texas while fundraising to fuel our students’ journey toward success.

Now, whether you’re ready to be a peer-to-peer fundraiser or prefer to lend your support in other ways, there’s a seat for everyone on this journey.