March 28, 2024
Annapolis, US 47 F

Great Give Raises $600K For Local Charity In 24 Hours

Great Give Annapolis Lifestyle Magazine web adIn an effort to raise awareness of philanthropy and of the charities and non-profits in our local community, the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County took on a huge task–raise half a million dollars in 24 hours! They called it The Great Give.

Last night at 7pm, at Rams Head Center Stage at the Maryland Live! Casino, their goal was reached, and then some. 2,696 people made 3,712 donations for a grand total of $606,784.

The concept is not new, but it was new to Anne Arundel County. Executive Director, Bess Langbein brought the idea to her Board suggesting they recruit 100 non-profits to see if they can find 1,000 donors to raise $500,000.

Untitled-3The top winners were the Light House, Connected Warrior Foundation, and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. But the little guys got to play as well. Seeds 4 Success was the top earner in the small charity category and earned an additional $10,000 grant on top of their $13,000 earnings!

100% of the money donated will be passed through to the non-profits. Maryland Live! stepped up to the plate to cover the credit card processing costs and were a key partner in the program from start to finish including hosting the countdown party last night.

At the party, members of the participating non-profits, media sponsors including WRNR and Eye On Annapolis, VIPs, Board members, and others gathered at Rams Head Center Stage to watch the results. While the Connected Warrior Foundation led for a long time, the Light House came in at the last minute (seemingly from nowhere) and took the lead an capturing an additional $10,000 grant.

If you missed out on The Great Give, you can still contribute here.

But, the main goal of the event was to raise awareness of the services offered in our own backyards and the need by so many of our neighbors. From the chatter last night, this will be an annual event with an even loftier goal. 2,696 donors only represents about 1/2 of 1% of the population  of the county.  Rumor has it that next year will see a goal of $1 million raised in 24 hours.

As you can see, spirits were high last night as the good cheer was spread around. Thank you to Sugarfarm Productions for the use of these photos!

Stay tuned for more information on next year’s Great Give! Will you be a part?

 

 

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