How we could make philanthropic history on May 5th

By Sarah Shelley,
Executive Director
Eastern Carolina Community Foundation

More than 100 years ago, the first community foundation was established to help the people of Cleveland, Ohio pool their charitable resources and strengthen their hometown. We at the Eastern Carolina Community Foundation are extremely proud to be rooted in that heritage, and to help donors in the Pee Dee give back to our communities.
In the eight years since Eastern Carolina Community Foundation was founded, we’ve helped connect hundreds of donors to high-impact organizations that are enriching our local culture and solving the most critical community challenges. As Executive Director, I have had the pleasure and good fortune to work alongside some inspiringly charitable donors, amazingly dedicated staff and incredibly resourceful nonprofit leaders, all of whom have had big, bold ideas about making the Pee Dee a better place to live.

Today, I want to share one of those ideas: Big Give Pee Dee.

On May 5th, the Pee Dee will participate in what will likely be the largest giving event in history. Along with donors from every neighborhood in the region, we will join communities across the country in a national day of local giving to raise millions of dollars for our communities—all in 24 hours.

People often think that philanthropy is for the Bill Gates and Warren Buffets of the world. But here’s the truth: Nearly everyone can be a philanthropist. During Give Big Pee Dee, small and large gifts will combine for big impact. We envision a single day where every individual is inspired to contribute to the well-being of their local community, and we need your help to make this vision a reality.

In 2014, Give Local America’s first annual event resulted in more than $53 million being donated to local communities in just 24 hours. On May 5, 2015, the campaign is aiming to make history for a second time and double fundraising to more than $100 million with the help of our community. With donations being magnified by incentive funds, this is the day to make a difference. Your donations can actually give your favorite nonprofits a double boost by making them eligible for monetary prizes; one prize will be given each hour throughout giving day.

Big Give Pee Dee is a virtual event with a personal touch. Our giving website provides a trusted platform for donors to fund proven organizations across their local communities. Beginning at midnight on May 5th, donations can be made online at www.biggivepeedee.org. You can also watch the leaderboard there throughout the event to track the donation progress of your favorite nonprofits.

Community foundation staff members are available to answer any questions you may have, now or on May 5th. We’re planning an in-person event to celebrate the occasion, and we’re inviting everyone in the community to come for refreshments and fun. We’ll be at our offices at 154 W. Evans Street downtown Florence. If you need help making your donation, we will have computers set up and a volunteer to assist you. Some participating nonprofits are playing host to giving day events of their own, as well.

We look forward to seeing you and celebrating the work of our community partners in the Pee Dee and across the country.

Participating nonprofits:

A Choice 2 M8K
Bethlehem Therapeutic Riding Stable
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Pee Dee Area
CARE House of the Pee Dee
Caring and Sharing Inc.
Carolina Kids
Chamber Music at the Gallery
Chesterfield County Coordinating Council – Youth Development Coalition
Darlington County Education Foundation
Darlington County First Steps
Darlington County Humane Society Rescue
Eastern Carolina Community Foundation
Empowered to Heal
Florence Area Literacy Council
Florence County Disabilities Foundation
Florence Evening Lions Club Foundation
Florence Regional Arts Alliance
Florence Symphony Orchestra
Friends of the Florence County Library
Girl Scouts of Eastern South Carolina
Girls Inc. of the Pee Dee
Harvest Hope Food Bank
Help 4 Kids Florence
Historic Marion Revitalization Association
Hospice of Chesterfield County
House of Hope of the Pee Dee
House of Refuge – Refuge Outreach Ministry
International Children’s Games
Lighthouse Ministries
Marion County Library System
Marlboro Civic Center Foundation
McLeod for Health Florence Open
McLeod Foundation
Mercy in Me Free Medical Clinic
Mercy Medicine Clinic
Naomi Project
Pathfinders United
Pee Dee Area Council of Boy Scouts of America
Pee Dee Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Assault
Pee Dee Land Trust
Radio Free Florence
Resurrection Restoration Center for the Homeless
SNAC (Shelter & Nutrition for All Children)
South Carolina African American Heritage Foundation
South Carolina Senior Sports Classic
The Lord Cares
Trinity-Byrnes Collegiate School
United Way of Chesterfield County
Veterans Resource Center of Florence
Vital Aging of Williamsburg County
Wildlife Action Inc.
Williamsburg Technical College Foundation

Author: Jana Pye

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