San Angelo Gives: An Opportunity to Give Back

SAN ANGELO, TX – The annual San Angelo Gives event began its 3^rd Annual San Angelo Gives event at the stroke of midnight this morning. The 24-hour online fundraiser is an annual event that allows non-profit organization to raise the necessary funds to continue their philanthropic work in the Concho Valley. With nearly 150 organizations participating, donors have the opportunity to help several organizations at a time from the comfort of their computers or mobile devices. This year the event hopes to raise $1.5 million dollars to help the numerous non-profit organizations in San Angelo . 

For many non-profits, kick starting a fundraiser is a tough feat. Furthermore, attending a fundraiser can be hard to fit into a busy schedule. Therefore, the creators of San Angelo Gives decided to create an online fundraiser making the event accessible to all as well as giving more local non-profit organizations media exposure.   

The event was modeled after the North Texas Giving Day event in Dallas, Texas, which has allowed non-profits in the Dallas area to raise over $37,000,000 collectively with 2,000 participating non-profit organizations.

When donors visit the San Angelo Gives website, they are given the choice to donate a minimum of $10 to any organization of their choosing. Donors will have the opportunity to donate to more than one organization in a single transaction. For those unfamiliar with any non-profits listed, a small description will be provided to summarize the mission of the nonprofit.

Janet Karcher, San Angelo Area Foundation (SAAF) Vice President of Development and Marketing, emphasizes that many donations do not exceed $10, but because of the numbers of people donating throughout the day, anything becomes possible and a difference is made $10 at a time.

In their first year SAAF, who help organize the San Angelo Gives event, was able to raise $787,000, in the second year they reached and surpassed their goal of $1,000,00. This year, the goal is to reach $1.5 million, and knowing the generosity of the Concho Valley, Karcher believes the new goal can be made.

Even technical difficulties cannot deter donors from making a difference, as was the case last year. During the event the website experienced some technical difficulties due to the large number of visitors on site, but the SAAF was able to intervene and correct the problem quickly so people could begin donating again. The SAAF has put contingency plans into place to ensure these problems do not arise again during this years event as donors make their contributions. 

“[The technical issues] really showed the resiliency of our community, everyone rallied around each other and we hit our goal.” Karcher said.

Event sponsors have also showed their generosity. The SAAF has received $167,000 from various event sponsors to help donate to various organization as they achieve various milestones in community donations. In doing so, the SAAF hopes to encourage community members to donate to their local  non-profits. 

Non-profits are also able to use their social medias to engage with their followers over the next 24-hours. 

“It’s a great day to celebrate the Concho Valley” Karcher added.

The event began this morning at midnight and is scheduled to end tonight at 11:59 p.m. To make a contribution please visit www.sanangelogives.com and join the thousands of others who are doing their part to help the nonprofit organizations of this area.