Vancouver, Wash., Sept. 21, 2020— This Thursday, nearly 230 nonprofits will aim to raise $2 million during Give More 24!, southwest Washington’s largest day of giving. In a year of adversity, the event offers residents an outlet to come together, assist others and effect change.
The 24-hour giving marathon, which is organized by the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington, encourages charitable giving in southwest Washington by making it easy to find, support and celebrate local nonprofits. This year, a record 229 organizations serving people in Clark, Cowlitz and Skamania Counties have registered to participate, which Community Foundation president Jennifer Rhoads attributes to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This day allows everyone to make a difference from a distance,” Rhoads said. “As part of the collective effort to prevent the coronavirus, nonprofits have shifted fundraising to the virtual world and Give More 24! offers a perfect outlet for connecting with local donors.”
Give More 24! also encourages donations by allowing people to “give more” as the event’s name suggests. That’s because donations made through the website are eligible for more than $800,000 in matching funds, which double donations to certain nonprofits. In addition, twelve $1,500 nonprofit prizes are awarded to participating nonprofits throughout the day based on specific goals and timeframes. Prize and match details can also be found online at givemore24.org.
As people give, the website tracks every dollar, gift and donor in real-time and tallies the progress of each nonprofit and cause area on a leaderboard. The website also allows people to create their own personal fundraising pages where they can rally friends and family around a participating nonprofit. Rhoads says these features provide a way for people to come together online and make a positive impact on their community during this difficult time.
“Community and compassion are the best antidotes for the loneliness and fear that many of us are feeling,” Rhoads said. “This event helps spread those good vibes. It empowers us to amplify the good things happening in our communities.”
In addition to the website, people can also come together through a variety of virtual events and via social media. The event lineup for Thursday includes a talent show, a comedy hour, an interactive concert, networking events and trivia games. A more detailed listing of events is available at givemore24.org/info/events.
“Personal connection has always been an important part of Give More 24! and we are excited to see it continue in new ways this year,” Rhoads said. “More than ever, we need to come together and build community, especially in ways that uplift the common good.”
Give More 24! does this by providing ways to support a wide array of causes that improve southwest Washington, including animals, arts and culture, education, healthcare, housing, hunger, social justice and the environment. Learn more at givemore24.org.
QUICK FACTS:
- Who: Anyone can support local causes with a minimum donation of $5
- What: A 24-hour online giving marathon that benefits nearly 230 nonprofits serving the region
- When: September 24, 2020 from 12:00 a.m. to 11:59:59 p.m.
- Where: Donate at home, at work or while on vacation by visiting givemore24.org
This event would not be possible without the support of these generous sponsors: Presenting Sponsor, Davidson & Associates Insurance representing PEMCO Insurance. Power Sponsors: Columbia Bank and Russell Investments. Boost Sponsor: Blue Blazes. Media Sponsors: Bicoastal Media (The Peak 98.3, Real Country 93.5, Rocket 107.1 FM); Cookin’ Country 105.5, 101.5 The Wave, KLOG 100.7; The Columbian; The Daily News; and Wager Audio.