For the fourth straight year, longtime Blair residents Wyman and Laurie Nelson have chosen to cover all credit card fees for a 12-hour period during Washington County Gives.
The day of giving that benefits local and regional nonprofits is Dec. 1.
The Nelsons will cover any and all credit card fees from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The gift allows 100% of all online donations to go to the nonprofit of the donor's choice. Normally, an online gift is subject to credit card fees and pass-through fees. That can often dissuade a potential donor.
“They see this as a way of 'paying it forward' by encouraging others to donate to their favorite local nonprofit on that day,” according to a press release from the Blair Area Community Foundation (BACF).
In addition, the BACF waives its pass-through fee on donations made that day. This way, donors are assured that 100% of their gift goes directly to the charity of their choosing.
Another reason to give on that day is the “bonus dollars” awarded to charities receiving a gift.
“We are truly blessed to have businesses in the local area who participate on this special day,” said Dr. Ryan Palmer, co-chair of Washington County Gives. “Each of them contributes $500, enabling us to draw the name of a charity each hour to receive that $500 as a bonus. We also have second chance drawings twice during the day for organizations who did not get drawn.”
Recipients of the bonus must have received a donation in the hour prior to the drawings, encouraging people to donate throughout the day.
Washington County Gives Day is a joint project of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce and the Blair Area Community Foundation. The purpose is to focus on local non-profit organizations which have a tremendous impact on the county’s quality of life, and to help them raise funds necessary to fulfill their missions.
Donations can be made online at www.wcnegives.org. Donors may select their favorite charity from a drop-down menu of eligible organizations on the website. Checks may be dropped off at the Washington County Chamber of Commerce at 1646 Washington St.
