What an incredible evening!
Last night, the Breakthrough community came together for the 2023 Breakthrough Benefit Concert in the heart of downtown Austin.
Amidst the music and celebration of Breakthrough students and families, we were honored to have powerful sister duo Robin Resas and Zion Hipolito, our guest speakers, reflect upon their experiences to postsecondary success. They reminded us that being first in your family to earn a college degree often requires courage and bravery- but when you’re partnered with Breakthrough on that journey, you aren’t alone:
I am so proud to say that I am a first-generation college graduate from St. Edward’s University working in public health for the City of Austin. I am also honored to say that I am a Breakthrough alum. But I’m most proud to say I am Zion’s sister, and have seen her persevere to her own college success in such inspiring ways.
It is this beautiful community of people that believes, truly believes, in the power and humanity of students. To us, Breakthrough creates a collective courage to say ‘we can do this if we work together.‘
ROBIN RESAS
BREAKTHROUGH ALUM
Attendees heard the theme last night about collective courage – the impact we can all have when we come together as a community. Together, we can help make breakthroughs happen. We can all make bright futures possible.
Moved by Zion and Robin’s message, Benefit Concert supporters generously contributed over $75,000 in donations to propel the growth of Breakthrough’s College and Career Success program. Coupled with event sponsorships and silent auction bids, our fundraising total has surpassed $530,000.
We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support. We hope to raise an additional $25,000 before the end of the weekend to maximize our $100,000 event night matching gift challenge.
Your contribution, regardless of the amount, will be matched dollar-for-dollar, doubling the impact of your donation. This will allow us to further expand our rapidly-growing College and Career Success program.
A special note of thanks to Jeanette & Ernest Auerbach, Christie & Clinton Bybee, and Stephanie & Todd Routh who have extended the event night matching gift challenge of $100,000 – a challenge we are eager to meet and surpass together.
Thank you again for your generous support and for helping us light the path to postsecondary success for Breakthrough students and families!
Special thanks to our event chairs, host committee and sponsors!
BREAKTHROUGH BENEFIT CONCERT HOST COMMITTEE
Chaired By Michael & Kaitlin Ramirez and Ricky D. Green
Kelsey Van Meter & Benjamin Baudouin
Christian & Penny Bergstrom
Holly & Jim Bohart
Irma & Jim Brand
Amber Carden
Selma & Blaise D’Mello
Aly Gonzales
Grace Holland
Pirie Humphries
Kelley & Billy Humphries
Sarah Lacy & Bennett Maddox
Stephanie & Todd Routh
Patricia Henna Rowe & Mark Rowe
Eddie Safady
Mary Garwood Yancy & Howard Yancy
Tito & Tere Vidaurri