Testing the Theory of Six Degrees of Separation

I'm working with Dan Dillard over at Amplify Financial to get the event described below off the ground. It's something we both believe in and are excited about, but the economic climate is making it hard to line up the necessary funding. I'm reaching out to you, hoping that the hypothesis of 'six degrees of separation' can be proven, and that it will help us find the sponsors we need to make this a reality. Do you have contacts that might want to help with this grassroots event? Anyone at HEB, Whole Foods, Coca-Cola? The local media? Any other business that would like to support a community by sponsoring this event? If you know someone that might be interested, please comment below or contact me directly.

Austin Pink Slip Festival

Please join us in an Austin-style response to the economic downturn where one person can help another in a fun, casual, family-friendly setting. This event will be a shot in the arm for job seekers and their families affected by job losses. We’ve heard time and again how people are in crisis-mode, cutting back on and sometimes eliminating altogether their family outings in an effort to stretch their budgets. We want to provide not only an opportunity for the family to enjoy a day out together, but also a forum where people looking for work can connect with each other and with non-profits in need of looking to give back to their community while they’re out of work.

What you can expect from the Pink Slip Festival:

• 25-cent hotdogs, 50-cent soda/beer and 10-cent snow cones will provide refreshment while the adults relax and enjoy great local music and the kids receive free face painting and balloon animals.
• Stress-free, affordable fun for the whole family, made possible by the Austin community
• Networking opportunities for job-seekers
• Service opportunities with local nonprofits in search of five-hour-a-week volunteers – a way to take a break from the constant job search and instead spend a few hours a week giving back to the community, and to enjoy the feeling that goes along with giving back while building their network
• Discount ‘Economic Stimulus’ coupons from local businesses offering reduced prices on food, goods and services – families can stretch their budgets a little farther and in turn provide their own stimulus to local businesses.

Your support is needed! The Austin Pink Slip Festival will provide a welcome respite for job seekers, connect local non-profits with volunteers and connect Austin families with the merchants, vendors and service people in their community who care and want to help. It’s a great opportunity for everyone to feel good about helping each other.

We believe that by working together and helping each other, the Austin Community can pull out of this economic downturn more quickly.