SALISBURY – More than 1,500 donations generated more than $171,000 for 99 local nonprofits during the fourth annual “Shore Gives More” campaign for a new record-breaking fundraising total.
On Giving Tuesday – held each year on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving – local nonprofits joined in an international online giving movement to raise funds for programs that support the Lower Shore.
On the local level, the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore’s “Shore Gives More” campaign assisted nonprofits in fundraising efforts by providing an online donation portal, marketing tools and support to help them reach their goals.
In 24 hours, individuals contributed more than $171,000 to 99 participating nonprofits serving Worcester, Wicomico and Somerset counties.
“Giving Tuesday shows us the power of ambitiously compassionate people coming together to make a difference in our local community,” said CFES President Erica Joseph in a news release. “Each year the event grows which means more nonprofits on the Lower Eastern Shore are able to thrive.”
The Shore Gives More campaign was first launched in 2015 and raised nearly $7,500 in its first year. Last year, the event generated more than $164,000 in donations.
“The Shore Gives More is truly by the community, for the community,” Joseph said. “Without the hard work of many nonprofits and their supporters this campaign would not be what it has become today.”
With the help of the resources provided by the Community Foundation, several organizations were able to meet or exceed their fundraising goals this year.
Kathy Phillips, executive director of Assateague Coastal Trust, said the nonprofit surpassed its $5,000 goal and in 24 hours raised more than $17,000.
“The way they set this campaign up is fantastic, and we are grateful for the Community Foundation for making the Giving Tuesday program here on the Lower Shore have extra meaning,” she said.
Phillips noted that the funds raised this week will be used to support the Coast Kids, Trash Free Assateague and Coastkeeper programs.
“It’s wonderful to see the community come together like that and support the local nonprofits,” she said.
Glenn Irwin, executive director of the Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC), agreed. He noted that community support helped the organization to raise more than $12,000 for the Light Up Downtown program.
“We are very pleased with the turnout and the number of donors to the Light Up Downtown program,” he said, “and we are hoping to get a couple more donations in the coming days.”
Irwin said OCDC has teamed up with the Downtown Association of Ocean City to bring additional light displays to the downtown area during the holidays.
“This is an ongoing project but it’s definitely picking up momentum,” he said.
Another organization to benefit from this week’s event was Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services, which collected more than $3,600 in donations.
Lauren Davis, communications coordinator for Worcester Youth and Family Counseling, praised the Community Foundation for its efforts to help local organizations.
“The campaign is a great way for people to learn about nonprofits that are in the area and what they do,” she said.
Davis said money raised for the nonprofit on Tuesday will be used to support various programs within the agency.
“Overall, it was a very successful day,” she said. “They did a great job of promoting the event and we were pleased with the outcome. We look forward to doing it again next year.”
In an interview this week, Joseph said half the money raised on Tuesday was collected in the last eight hours of the campaign and that many donations will continue to pour in in the coming days.
“We certainly know that the impact of this event will inspire individuals to continue giving,” she said.
The campaign received sponsorships from 47 ABC and Pohanka Community Partners Program which significantly increased the campaign presence. In addition to donations, nonprofits could earn incentive grants through contributions made by The Hershey Family and The Perdue Family Funds at The Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore.
