One day giving holiday benefited 17 nonprofit organizations
They came. They clicked. They gave. Porter County GIVE Day, the giving holiday on November 8th raised $186,038, including 955 gifts and $63,455 in matching funds and prizes “We’re thrilled on behalf of the 17 nonprofit organizations that will benefit from this extraordinary generosity,” said Barb Young, President of the Porter County Community Foundation, who presented the event. “In a single day, our community has made a difference for so many people struggling with homelessness.”
The one-day only, around-the-clock event inspired so many to give. More than 800 people gave online, using a credit card via a website that went live for just 24 hours. However, more than 100 people arrived at GIVE Day headquarters at The Times offices in Valparaiso, with checks or cash – from $5 to $4,000 at a time. “It was amazing to see so many people inspired to drop by and give,” said Young. “We met a woman who had benefitted from services at The Caring Place decades ago. She was grateful for the help when she needed it and so she gave. We talked to senior citizens who had their homes repaired through Rebuilding Together. We met parents whose children live in housing through Opportunity Enterprises. The need for shelter touches so many,” said Young.
The event began with $63,455 in match pool funds and prize money, contributed by generous sponsors, including Task Force Tips, Thrivent Financial – Greater Valparaiso, The Valparaiso Mayor’s Ball, Restaurante don Quijote, DuPont Pioneer, Rotary Club of Valparaiso and The Times Media Company. Special thanks to Radio One Communications for media support. Additional contributions were made by Scott and Elizabeth Allen, Patricia Crise, Portage Mayor’s Ball, and Special Kids Fundraiser Committee.
Nonprofit organizations that will receive funds from the event include Alice’s, The Caring Place, Dayspring Women’s Center, Gabriel’s Horn, Habitat for Humanity of Porter County, Harold “Hal” Kelley Respite House, Housing Opportunities, Moraine House, New Creation Business Advocates, Open Arms Shelter for Women, Opportunity Enterprises, Porter County Community Foundation Housing Assistance Fund, Porter-Starke Services, Rebuilding Together Duneland, Rebuilding Together Hebron, Rebuilding Together Valparaiso and Valparaiso Men’s Overnight Shelter.