On December 8, 2024, HC4A hosted its annual Gratitude Gathering at founder Harish Kotecha’s home. This special event marked the culmination of a year filled with compassion, collaboration, and impactful initiatives aimed at uplifting education and economic opportunities in the Austin community.
Reflecting on a Year of Compassion
The Gratitude Gathering was more than just a year-end event. It brought together donors, volunteers, partners, and community members to honor the collective efforts that have made HC4A’s mission a reality. Attendees enjoyed an afternoon of connection, celebration, and reflection, with a carefully planned schedule designed to foster community spirit.
Event Highlights:
- Welcome & Social Mixer: The gathering kicked off with light snacks, warm welcomes, and an opportunity to reconnect or make new friends.
- Engagement & Fun Game: A lively icebreaker brought everyone together in laughter and camaraderie.
- Volunteer Appreciation & Awards: The heart of the event, this heartfelt segment recognized volunteers whose contributions have been central to HC4A’s impact.
- Year in Review & 2025 Outlook: A look back on the accomplishments of 2024 paired with ambitious goals for the upcoming year.
- Wrap Up: Conversations continued as guests discovered ongoing opportunities to stay involved.
Honoring Selfless Service
A significant highlight of the day was the presentation of the HC4A Selfless Service Awards. These awards celebrated volunteers who went above and beyond to make a difference. The 2024 recipients included:
- Shankar Hariharan
For Launch & Execution of Grow with Google Certification Program - Kevin Malone
For Dedication and Timely Support in HC4A’s Website Development and Maintenance - Vaibhav Jain
For Leading Amplify Austin and Giving Tuesday Campaigns & Email Marketing Success - Carolina (Lina) Martinez (AAYHF)
For Dedicated Collaboration with HC4A’s Certification Program Outreach - African American Youth Harvest Foundation (AAYHF)
For Outstanding Volunteering at HC4A’s School Supplies Program - Gulshan Singh
For New Initiatives – Execution of Certification Program, Outstanding Digital Marketing - Nupur Sharma
For Hosting Events & Quarterly Volunteer Connect Success - Anita Singh
For Hosting Events & Quarterly Volunteer Connect Success - Chandra Sivaiah
For Supporting HC4A Accounting and Tax Filing - Aditi Gupta
For Supporting School Supplies Program
Each award symbolizes HC4A’s appreciation for the dedication and passion these individuals and organizations bring to their work.
Could You Be Next Year’s Award Recipient?
The Gratitude Gathering celebrated the incredible efforts of individuals who made an undeniable impact on HC4A’s mission. But here’s the exciting part—you could be the next recipient of the HC4A Selfless Service Award! By stepping into a volunteer role in 2025, you have the chance to make a real difference in your community while working with an organization devoted to educational and economic empowerment.
Explore these rewarding volunteer opportunities and find how you can get involved:
Mentor Tech students from Manor ECHS virtually
Time Commitment: 1-2 hours per week over 6 months.
Assist with platform management, grant writing, and acting as college/school liaisons.
Time Commitment: Ongoing - 5-10 hours per month.
Encourage your colleagues to engage in corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Time Commitment: Seasonal or Event-based.
Assist with setup, hosting, registering, performing, and other roles at HC4A.
Time Commitment: At three annual events.
Boost volunteer participation and engagement through Quarterly Connects. Manage roles and interests.
Time Commitment: Ongoing - 5-10 hours per month.
Represent HC4A at community events, increasing awareness and engagement. Currently, 4-5 opportunities are available and growing.
Time Commitment: Ongoing 5-6 hours per month
Assist with event planning, social media, outreach, and administrative tasks to support HC4A’s mission.
Time Commitment: 5-7 hours per week during holidays or after school hours. Seasonal availability based on school and event schedules.
By taking on one of these roles, you’ll not only contribute to HC4A’s ongoing mission but also stand a chance to be recognized for your service and dedication next year.
Looking Ahead
The Gratitude Gathering provided a chance to reflect on the year’s achievements while laying the groundwork for continued innovation and impact in 2025. It’s the commitment of such passionate volunteers and supporters that ensures HC4A’s mission thrives.
To those who attended, volunteered, or supported HC4A this year—thank you for being the backbone of our community initiatives. Together, we look forward to creating an even greater impact in the coming year!
