Team Givelify Gives Back: Victoria Beaty, Marketing Specialist, Raises Funds to Support Young Urban Farmer and His Family

The holiday season is a time of giving joyfully, and members of Team Givelify are no exception. We wanted to highlight some of the ways our team members gave of their time and compassion in recent weeks to help with causes that are important to them.

Victoria Beaty, Marketing Specialist

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Victoria has a passion for urban farming as a way to address food insecurity and food deserts in Indianapolis. After seeing a local news story about a twelve-year-old urban gardener and his family’s struggle with losing their home, she was moved to act.

Victoria was able to contact the young man’s mother, who told her that while they had secured housing, the move had sapped all financial resources. There were no gifts for the children, there would be no special Christmas dinner for the family, and they even lacked basics like cleaning supplies.

“I started a fundraiser to help a young man named Austin, known as ‘The Young Urban Farmer,’ after seeing his story about starting a farm to help feed his community and family who’ve suffered from poverty and hunger,” Victoria said.

In addition to the online crowdfunding effort, Victoria also set up a public Amazon wish list with household items and gifts for the children. Enlisting the help of local radio personality DJ B-Swift at Hot 96.3, purchased items were delivered to the radio station until they could be delivered.

Thanks to B-Swift’s help and a push on social media, in just four days over $2,000 in donations poured in along with Amazon wish list items. On the Saturday before Christmas, Victoria and a few friends (including Santa Claus himself) surprised the family at their new home with toys, clothing, home goods, and the money from the fundraiser.

“They were so grateful and thankful for the love and support,” said Victoria. “One of the kids started crying!”

“We are truly blessed when we’re able to bless other people.”