Fairfield County is filled with folks who give.
But today, they’ll really give.
From now through midnight, we’re celebrating Giving Day. Anyone — including businesses, employee groups, school classes and others — is raising as much as they can, for a few hundred worthy area non-profits.
Hosted by Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, and sponsored by Bank of America, it’s a comprehensive, online, one-stop way to make a powerful, collective statement.
Matching funds and prize money is available, heightening each gift’s impact.
Last year — the 1st-ever Giving Day — drew over $750,000 in donations, from 9,211 people. More than 250 nonprofits benefited.
This year’s goal: $1 million.
The website lists an astonishing array of good causes, in 12 categories. Westport-based organizations include the Animal Shelter, Wildlife in Crisis, the Levitt Pavilion, Westport Arts Center, Westport Cinema Initiative, Westport Country Playhouse, Westport Historical Society, Westport School of Music, A Better Chance, Staples Tuition Grants, Westport Astronomical Society, Earthplace, Homes With Hope, Culture of Respect, the YMCA and Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Services. (I’ve probably missed a few. Sorry!)
Beyond our town borders are Mercy Learning Center, WPKN, Soundkeeper, Circle of Friends, Jewish Home for the Elderly, STAR, the Merritt Park Conservancy — you get the idea.
But what are you waiting for? Stop reading! Click here.
As every organization knows: Every dollar counts. And there’s no time to waste.
Thanks for the notice about Giving Day. I’d like to add Remarkable STEAM (www.remarkablesteam.org) that produces the Westport Mini Maker Faire (www.westportmakerfaire.org) in partnership with the Westport Library. All donated funds go towards the Faire and supporting innovation and creativity. The fourth annual Westport Mini Maker Faire will be on Saturday, April 25. We are planning for a record 6,000 attendees. Your contributions help us produce the event and keep it free to attend.
and if you venture out to the Westport Library today, we have computers all set to the Giving Day homepage. Our staff are happy to help.
I just gave to three organizations. Music on the Hill had sent me an email yesterday asking for a gift today. I work with Steve Daniels of A Better Chance of Westport on TEAM Westport, and know they are a powerful organization supporting boys of color. The third is the Westport Astronomical Society. Even though I’ve only been to one meeting, I’m so glad to know the organization is there with their telescope! Thanks for the reminder, Dan.
Dan, the team here at Fairfield County’s Community Foundation thanks you for your Giving Day shout out!
We are in awe of all of the participating nonprofits’ hard work in preparing for this day of online giving benefitting great organizations working to make our region a better place to live and work.
P.S. Check out the Community Foundation’s new web site too!
Karen R. Brown, Fairfield County’s Community Foundation
http://www.fccfoundation.org
Several Westporters are active volunteers and/or board members of the Fairfield County Hospice House which benefitted significantly from Giving Day. We want to thank all those who contributed to this worthy cause.