Grant Continues 3Mgives Support of Local Causes

3Mgives has selected Finding Home ATX as the beneficiary for the upcoming 2024 3M Half Marathon in Austin, Texas. This grant will empower the Austin-based community organization to advance its mission of eliminating unsheltered homelessness by scaling up Austin’s Homelessness Operating System (OS) for long-term sustainability. The 30th Anniversary of the 3M Half Marathon is scheduled for January 21, 2024.

“Over the 30-year history of the 3M Half Marathon, 3Mgives is so proud to have provided hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants to local Austin community organizations,” said Stacey Claessens, 3Mgives Global Employee Empowerment Manager of Austin. “We are pleased to name Finding Home ATX as our race beneficiary this second year in a row so that they can grow their program of creating affordable housing for the unhoused population of Austin.”

The primary objective of Finding Home ATX is to establish 1,300 new units of affordable housing for the unhoused, accommodating 3,000 individuals, and supporting an additional 2,300 households. The initiative aims to enhance economic opportunities, community appeal, and equitable access for the unhoused while also increasing provider capacity through a streamlined, data-driven Homelessness OS. This grant will significantly contribute to achieving these goals. This marks the second year for Finding Home ATX as the designated beneficiary of the 3M Half Marathon.

Celebrating its 30th year in 2024, the 3M Half Marathon boasts one of the nation’s quickest 13.1-mile courses. Participants will experience a point-to-point route with predominantly downhill sections, showcasing some of Austin’s most scenic locations. Starting in north Austin and concluding near the Texas State Capitol, runners will benefit from a 306’ net elevation drop. Registration details are available on the event’s official website.

About High Five Events:  High Five Events is the parent company of the Austin Marathon, Half Marathon & 5k, 3M Half Marathon, CapTex Triathlon and Kerrville Triathlon Festival. With over 150 years of combined experience, the High Five Events team specializes in organizing large-scale events across diverse venues, solidifying their presence on the Inc. 5000 List of Fastest Growing Companies in 2019 and 2020.

Discover the electrifying tale of Blaze, the new mascot for the 3M Half Marathon in Austin, Texas. Born from a powerful thunderstorm, Blaze is a sentient being infused with the essence of the elements. In this blog post, explore Blaze’s origin story, mesmerizing appearance, and extraordinary abilities, from unparalleled speed to elemental manipulation.

Origin Story:

Deep in the heart of Texas, a mighty thunderstorm raged across the plains. As lightning clashed with the earth, and raindrops danced with the wind, a peculiar phenomenon occurred. The combined forces of nature infused an ordinary pair of running shoes with extraordinary powers, creating a new entity known as Blaze. Emerging as a sentient being fueled by the essence of the elements, Blaze became the embodiment of speed, endurance, and raw elemental energy.

Appearance:

Blaze takes the form of an ethereal being, a manifestation of pure energy and vibrant colors. When not in motion, Blaze appears as a swirling mass of iridescent mist, constantly shifting and changing. However, when running, Blaze’s form solidifies into a humanoid shape. Their body is composed of wispy flames, pulsating with fiery hues of red, orange, and gold. From their head, a crown of crackling lightning arcs upwards, and their eyes glow with the intensity of a summer sun.

Abilities:

1. Elemental Speed: Blaze possesses unparalleled speed, enabling them to run at supersonic velocities. As they surge through the air, they leave behind a fiery trail, scorching the ground beneath their feet. This incredible speed allows Blaze to complete a half marathon in record time, leaving spectators in awe.
2. Elemental Manipulation: Blaze can channel and control the elemental forces at will. They have command over fire, summoning flames that flicker and dance in their wake. They harness the might of lightning, generating bolts that crackle and surge with electrifying power. Blaze can also manipulate the wind, creating gusts and currents that aid their swift movements.
3. Energy Absorption: Blaze possesses the ability to absorb ambient energy from their surroundings. Whether it’s the warmth of the sun, the static charge in the air, or the raw power of a thunderstorm, Blaze can harness these energies to replenish their own strength and enhance their abilities.
4. Inspiring Aura: Blaze radiates an aura of determination, perseverance, and inspiration. As they run, their energy uplifts and motivates those around them, encouraging ordinary individuals to push beyond their limits and achieve greatness in their own lives.

Mission and Purpose:

Blaze’s mission is two-fold. Firstly, they strive to promote physical fitness and healthy lifestyles among the residents of Texas. They inspire individuals of all ages and backgrounds to take up running, encouraging them to unlock their potential and lead active lives. Secondly, Blaze serves as a spokesperson for 3M product lines during their half marathon runs. Through their efforts, they showcase the durability, reliability, and innovation of 3M’s products, demonstrating their effectiveness even under extreme conditions. By completing these runs with lightning speed and boundless energy, Blaze acts as a living testament to the excellence of 3M’s offerings.

With their unique blend of elemental powers and unwavering determination, Blaze races across Texas, leaving a trail of inspiration and awe in their wake. They embody the spirit of the Lone Star State, igniting a passion for running and embodying the strength of the elements as they push the boundaries of human potential.