Giving Challenge collects $6.67 million

Twenty four hours of constant donations wrapped up at noon today for the 2015 Giving Challenge. 

When the clock struck noon the final total was $3,844,839. When combined with the matching funds from The Patterson Foundation the total increased to $6,674,839.10 

A total of 449 local nonprofit organizations were the recipients of the funds collected through the donation drive. The goal for 35,000 total gifts was exceeded 30 minutes before the deadline with the most amount of gifts benefiting Honor Animal Rescue with 1,083. The organization with the most in funds collected was Saint Stephen's Episcopal School with $78,703. 

For the fourth year in a row The Patterson Foundation participated in helping to match donations for the Giving Challenge. Any donors who did not give to an organization last year would have their gifts matched up to $250 by The Patterson Foundation. 

Community Foundation of Sarasota County President and CEO Roxie Jerde was thankful for the contributions.

“This is just one example of how they’ve helped this community, to really encourage and motivate people to give,” Jerde said. “To have a partner like Debra Jacobs at The Patterson foundation really is phenomenal.” 

Leader boards for gift and fund totals were available online to keep donors and organizations updated on progress but visitors were welcomed to stop in to the donor lounge at Community Foundation of Sarasota County. Organizations and individuals came in through all hours of the challenge to provide refreshments for staff and donate. 

“We have had an amazing 24 hours. It has been filled with energy, excitement and enthusiasm all those ‘e’ words,” Jerde said. “What has been so exciting is the number of folks that have stopped by and they just want to personally experience what’s been happening and watching the leader board. While we’re tapped in with social media and technology people also want to experience what is going on here.”