The clock is ticking on United Way’s Great Give
Donors have until 11:59 tonight to contribute to local nonprofits through this one-day fundraising drive.
The Great Give Palm Beach and Martin Counties — an annual, 24-hour online fundraiser — has a mantra: 24 hours can change a community.
Last year, the one-day drive raised more than $2 million for 405 participating groups, and since the first Great Give in 2014, more than $10 million has gone to local nonprofits that serve every sector of the Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast.
United Way of Palm Beach County leads the give-a-thon in partnership with Achieve, Nonprofits First and United Way of Martin County. More than 400 nonprofits have registered, and all have the opportunity to receive a percentage of bonus pool money based on the amount they raise during today’s online drive. The only groups that don’t benefit financially are the host partners.
Great Give spotlights small nonprofits
Wil Romelus registered Digital Vibez Inc. as a 501 (c) (3) non-profit in 2014.
At the time, he didn’t have a budget, but he did have a goal: to change the way kids look at exercise by using dance as a fitness tool.
Armed with education about healthy habits, the company brought its Fitness Jams and Wellness Workshops to schools and community groups throughout Palm Beach County.
The “digital” in Digital Vibez reflects Romelus’ commitment to computer literacy, technical proficiency, and access to technology and training in digital D Jing, web design and video production.
Through the Great Give, Palm Healthcare Foundation joined Digital Vibez on the front lines fighting childhood obesity. Now the group is collaborating with Eat Better Live Better, Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move campaign and the Diabetes Coalition of Palm Beach County.
“We’ve been able to get the word out, showcase our organization and attract great attention,” Romelus said.
Last year, Digital Vibez reached more than 10,000 kids at 36 schools and community-based programs in Palm Beach County, and its annual Jamathon at the South Florida Fairgrounds attracted 3,000 children and adults to a day of dancing, learning and demonstrations.
Now Romelus’ group has a healthy operating budget and big plans for the next year.
“The Great Give shined a light on our organization,” he said.
Great Give rewards more than monetary
Even an agency with an established reputation such as Families First of Palm Beach County reaps rewards from the Great Give.
Last year, Great Give donations helped Families First keep 770 children safe from abuse and 138 children out of foster care and at home with grandparents or Website: GreatGiveFlorida.org. Call: 844-GIVE-DAY (844-448-3329)
Get to know the nonprofits today during the CityPlace Takeover and take advantage of specials at local restaurants and businesses. See the United Way of Palm Beach County Facebook page for more information. caregivers last year.
“We’ve learned to market ourselves better using training from the Great Give,” CEO Julie Swindler said. “It really helps with our exposure. There’s a different group of donors we can reach by Facebook and social media. We’ve gotten donations from people out of state that we don’t even know.”
Helping a cause you hold dear
With more than 400 organizations participating in the Great Give, it’s easy to find someone doing work you care about. The database sorts groups into 21 causes, such as animals, the environment, disaster relief, hunger and women’s issues.
The success of Hobe Sound’s Pine School is a testament to the Great
Give’s effectiveness, said Robert Ankrom, director of communications at the small private school in Martin County.
“We did well because we attended the information seminars and studied the information online for tips,” Ankrom said. “It helped build momentum going into the 24-hour giving period.”
The Great Give has a bonus pool of money used to amplify donations based on the amount raised by the nonprofit.
“Some of our donors save up their donations to take advantage of the match program. People look forward to it,” he said. “We made the Great Give part of our regular rhythm of fundraising for the year.”
A winning fundraising formula
Indeed, the Great Give may be a one-day event, but fundraising is a year-round pursuit.
Great Give hosts offer ideas and supporting products to keep the giving going the other 364 days through peerto-peer fundraising and special events such as fun runs and rides.
At its core, the Great Give provides resources to reach and help more people.
Digital Vibez just got approval to host its first summer camp program in Palm Beach Gardens. That’s a thousand kids that will have something productive and fun to do this summer, Romelus said.
“We’re on the path to success, and we owe it all to the Great Give.”
‘We’ve learned to market ourselves better using training from the Great Give.’
CEO Families First of Palm Beach County