< Back

Retired Austin Professor Gives the Gift of Reading

Categories: Giving, Uncategorized, Volunteerism

Guest Blog by Bill Kibler, Austin Studio Volunteer

Bill I have volunteered at the Austin Studio of Learning Ally for over 15 years, ever since I retired from teaching medieval French at the University of Texas in Austin. I have now logged over 1500 hours and hope for many more.

Once or twice a week I do woodworking with my eldest daughter, and in the past we have donated small items to be sold in the annual silent auction to raise funds for the organization.

This year, in addition to making a cutting board for the auction, I decided to create a fundraising page through Facebook. With help from the studio personnel, it was a quick and easy thing to do.

 

I decided to set an “outrageous” goal of $500, thinking my 50 or so Facebook “friends” might come through with a few donations totaling maybe $150.

 

But, by golly, my medievalist colleagues did me proud, and I was able to raise nearly the entire $500 in cash—and I figure that the $60 raised from the cutting board could be counted (at least in my head) as pushing my figure over the top!

It was a fun experience and I urge any of you reading this to consider doing the same—or at least to donate to someone who has.

Learning Ally LogoDonate specifically to Bill's fundraiser or create your own today! Interested in volunteering? We are always looking for people with specialty areas or who are great storytellers! Log onto LearningAlly.org/Volunteer for more information.