THE BIG BEND — A new philanthropic community campaign in the Permian Basin is including several Big Bend area nonprofits in its list of beneficiaries.
The Alpine Public Library, Marathon Public Library, Marfa Public Radio and the Museum of the Big Bend are all participating in the region-wide fundraising campaign.
#PermianBasinGives is a new day of giving and unity that will take place on Tuesday, August 25, 2020, partly as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19.
#PermianBasinGives is open to participation from anyone in the larger Trans-Pecos region, and is an opportunity for people to stand together in unity – to use their individual power of generosity to remain connected and heal.
To participate, just direct your web browser to PermianBasinGives.org on Tuesday, August 25, make your choice from the dozens of listed nonprofits, and make whatever level of gift that is significant to you.
“Since 1947, the Alpine Public Library has served Brewster, Jeff Davis and Presidio counties,” said Alpine Public Library Director Don Wetterauer. “We offer books, magazines, DVDs, audio books, computers, free Wi-Fi, notary service, and more. The funds we receive will be used to support youth and adult programming and general operations.”
“Marfa Public Radio is committed to serving as a lifeline for residents from the Bend to the Basin,” said Hannah Siegel-Gardner, development director for Marfa Public Radio. “The support from Permian Basin Gives will go directly towards ensuring that our reporters are able to keep delivering fact-based local journalism on topics as diverse as politics, education, oil and gas, and the latest local mandates and protocols regarding COVID-19.”
“For almost a century, the Museum of the Big Bend has been telling the story of the Big Bend using its vast collection of historic artifacts, many from Big Bend pioneer families,” added Mary Bones, director of the Museum of the Big Bend. “The museum continues to honor the hopes and dreams of those early settlers with our innovative exhibits and educational outreach. We will use the funds to support programming, exhibits and our day to day operations. The Museum Director’s Advisory Council is pulling funds together for a challenge grant to match donations on August 25 and double your impact. Your donation is vital to the museum’s success and our ability to tell the story of the Big Bend to area friends and visitors alike.”
Erin Albright, the president of the Marathon Public Library Board of Directors, concluded, “Imagine a place where you can learn how to weave a basket, make a coil pot, or have access to the internet even when the doors are closed. Or a place where kids can build a pull helicopter, perform on stage, receive free school supplies and even be given a free book every month until they’ve reached the age of five! That’s the magic of the Marathon Public Library, and we thank you for joining us for Permian Basin Gives and making a gift that’s meaningful to you. We guarantee – your support will make a difference to those depending on and enjoying the Marathon Public Library.”
Nonprofits throughout the area hope to benefit from financial lifelines given on August 25, all through the generosity of residents stepping up to support their causes.
