Washington County Gives raises more than $100K

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The fourth year for a day of giving to benefit Washington County nonprofit organizations shattered totals from its previous three years and reached six figures for the first time.

Washington County Gives, a joint venture between the Blair Area Community Foundation (BACF) and the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, raised more than $100,000 for area nonprofits Tuesday.

A breakdown of the donations for each nonprofit was not yet available.

“I think anytime we can surpass what we did last year is great,” Washington County Gives committee member Ryan Palmer said. “To go over this kind of amount, especially in 2020 with the year it's been so to speak, it's just humbling. To know that people feel that sense of pride in their community.”

Washington County nonprofits have faced a difficult year due to the coronavirus pandemic, many losing their primary fundraisers due to restrictions.

“It's been a challenging and unknown year for a lot of people,” committee member Emily Petersen said. “With that said, I think this is a pleasant surprise to see that giving day is still really taking off.”

This year's Washington County Gives also looked different due to pandemic with most donations being made online and only one drop-off site at the chamber. In past years, donations could be made at locations in Arlington, Blair, Fort Calhoun, Herman and Kennard.

“We've looked around at other give days and they've had banner years, but I think people also understand that the nonprofits have really had a tough year,” Palmer said. “This day gives them the opportunity to not only help those nonprofits but do it in a very hands off, virtual way so they don't have to do things in person.”

As donations flooded in, committee members could see the possibility of a record year.

By 11:30 a.m., $32,000 had already been collected.

At 2 p.m., the donations surpassed the 2019 total after Washington County Bank donated $37,600 through its Mortgage Gives Back program.

By 7 p.m., $95,000 had been collected.

Washington County Gives also received support from area businesses through corporate sponsorships to provide bonus dollars to the nonprofits. An extra $9,500 was given away throughout the day. Each hours, every nonprofit receiving a donation was put in for a drawing for an additional $500.

The nonprofit that received the most total number of donations also received a $500 bonus. The recipient was Washington County Food Pantry/Joseph's Coat, which received almost 10% of the total number of donations.

The nonprofits should receive their donations by Dec. 16. This year, Palmer said, it is unlikely there will be a reception to present the checks.

“We've got a couple of ideas we're kicking around,” he said. “We're just trying to figure out the best way to present it.”