During the month of the Advocate’s 30th anniversary, our founder, Rick Wamre, announced to our readers that we have officially transitioned into a nonprofit organization to strengthen the outreach of our mission. As he mentioned in his article, “we began with a simple goal: Help make life in Dallas more like life in a small town. Connect neighbors. Build friendships. Support local businesses.”
As Advocate Media’s development director, I secure funding and sponsorship opportunities within the communities we serve. From establishing fundraising plans to developing relationships with our supporters, my job is to advance Advocate’s mission, so we can continue helping neighbors through free, hyperlocal news coverage.
This transition brings new and exciting projects for us and our neighbors. We have secured easy ways for our dedicated readers to support us through programs such as Amazon Smile and Albertson’s/Tom Thumb’s Good Neighbor Program.
Advocate Community Events and Fundraisers is a new initiative to get us more involved with our readers, while also giving local businesses an opportunity to gain new clients and build relationships with existing customers.
This summer, we partnered with local businesses and organizations to allow our readers to get to know the Advocate as a nonprofit newsroom.
We recently collaborated with For The Love Of The Lake, where employees and neighbors came together to take care of a gem in the Lakewood/East Dallas community. We also hosted a back-to-school backpack drive with Lake Highlands Junior Women’s League at Vector Brewing for the students at Lake Highlands High School. This Friday, we have our first fundraiser at Kendra Scott at The Plaza at Preston Center.
In upcoming weeks, we have planned a networking event at Oak Cliff Society of Fine Arts, and a “commit to eat” fundraiser at Modern Market Eatery in Plano. Be on the lookout for future Advocate events; our next one might be in collaboration with one of your favorite local spots!
As a nonprofit dedicated to supporting our communities, we understand the importance of giving back. That’s why we give over $250,000 in free ad space to local organizations in Lakewood/East Dallas, Lake Highlands, Oak Cliff, Preston Hollow and Plano.
If you have any questions regarding sponsorships or donations, please email aquintero@advocatemag.com.
