Renew 312 is hosting a virtual holiday event Saturday to bring some cheer into people’s homes and raise money for the future of Austin.
“Hope For the Holidays: A Mini Telethon,” which will air on Facebook Live on Dec. 19th from 3 to 8 p.m., will celebrate all the winter holidays with games, singalongs and dialogues prompted by Austin, Garfield Park and Oak Park residents.
Partnering with The Book Table, an Oak Park bookstore, and local politicians of color, the event will include festive book readings and a Kwanzaa cocktail tutorial; even Santa will be there – children can call in to give him their wish list.
Danielle Kovack, co-founder of the nonprofit Renew 312, said she and co-founder Shawn Netisingha came up with the idea to make the socially-distanced holiday season more joyous.
Renew 312 is relatively new, officially forming in October. They offer marketing and donor support to West Side residents. If an organization or an idea comes that would benefit the community, Renew 312 helps them obtain the capital and reach a larger audience.
The group hopes to raise $1,000, which will go to the Austin community with hopes of ultimately revitalizing boutiques, grocery stores, murals and transportation, among other things.
All donors will receive a small gift bag of wintery items for people to enjoy.
Kovack said more events like this can be expected in the future. You can view the event here.