It has been a difficult year for everyone and nonprofits, many of which have had to cancel their fundraising events, are no exception. The organizers of Washington County Gives hope the fourth annual event Dec. 1 helps the organizations.
Washington County Gives is a joint venture of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce and the Blair Area Community Foundation (BACF).
Ryan Palmer, a Washington County Gives committee member, said the committee usually sets goal amounts but has not this year.
"Whether we raise $10 or $20,000 that's money those nonprofits would maybe not have had otherwise," he said. "We are here to help them spread their message and are incredibly proud of the last three year totals."
Those donations have added up to almost $165,000 over the years. In 2017, the inaugural year, $51,396 was raised and distributed among 58 nonprofits.
"I think we are hoping it's a good year but we don't have expectations on people because it's been a tough year for many people," Palmer said. "We hope if the nonprofits can use this as a platform to raise awareness for their campaigns and push forward with those things."
The amount of donations has no limit.
"Anyone can participate," Palmer said. "It doesn't have to be a large donation, but we want them to know that 100 percent of what they donate goes directly to the nonprofit."
Bob Coffey, director of development for the BACF, said the day brings greater awareness of what nonprofits do and the impact it has on our community.
"The nonprofits define the character of our community," he said. "There are close to 100 nonprofit organizations in Washington County. They don't exist without a lot of generosity, and we have a wonderfully generous community in Washington County to help support these nonprofits."
Organizations can potentially help stretch the donations.
"We have sponsoring companies who provide bonus dollars so for each hour of the day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for a bonus drawing for $500," Coffey said.
Coffey said normally if a donation is made there's a pass through fee and online donations have credit card fees, but on that day there are no fees.
"The foundation waives its pass through fee and a couple covers the credit card fees," he said. "It enables us to tell people on this day 100 percent goes to the organization of your choice. That's an important factor for a lot of people. There's no excuse."
Coffey said he hopes people will recognize the needs of the nonprofits and want them to succeed, and recognize the contributions they make to the quality of life in Washington County.
Donations can be made online at wcnegives.org or at the Washington County Chamber of Commerce on Dec 1.
