Brazos Valley Gives announced its final numbers this week from its 6th annual day of giving, which occurs on the third Tuesday of October. Patricia Gerling, President/CEO of The Community Foundation, says they have come a long way since the first year when they raised just over $360,000. “After six years, when we put a bow on tonight, we will surpass the $6 million mark,” says Gerling. Gerling says $1,285,814 was raised this year, which is down from last year. “We were caught right in the midst of the elections, perhaps a little anxiety about what the future might hold,” says Gerling. Gerling says the number of donors increased along with the number of participating nonprofits. “We were two shy of 200. We have 198 nonprofits participating this year, which is about 35 more than last year,” says Gerling. More than $47,000 in incentive prizes was also awarded during Wednesday’s celebration of community philanthropy. Listen to “6th Annual Brazos Valley Gives Raises More Than $1.2 Million” on Spreaker. News release from The Community Foundation: Last Friday was Philanthropy Day and what a great time to pause and celebrate!! The Community Foundation announces the 6th Annual Brazos Valley Gives Celebration of Community Philanthropy is Wednesday, November 20 at 3:30 p.m. at the Marine One/4141 Locomotive Pavilion at the Bush Library on the Texas A&M University campus. Free parking is available in Lot 41. Over 2,600 donors came together on Brazos Valley’s 6th Annual Brazos Valley Gives Day benefiting 198 nonprofits taking part in this annual community-wide day of giving. Final numbers will be announced from the giving day; however, the nonprofits have more gifts coming. Incentive prizes totaling over $47,000 will be awarded at this year’s celebration that is being co-sponsored by the George and Barbara Bush Foundation. Bryan Broadcasting, KBTX, The Eagle, KAGS, Lamar Advertising, Brenham Banner Press, Navasota Examiner, and the Burleson County Tribune were invaluable partners with Brazos Valley Gives to ensure the community was aware and ready for the big day, which supports nonprofits from throughout the 7-county region. Copy Corner also supported with publicity needs. Presenting Sponsor, Amarillo National Bank, served a major role in providing operational support for the day and this year’s Champion sponsors included David Gardner’s Jewelers, Ray of Hope Foundation, and Tom Light Legacy, “Our 6th annual giving day empowered donors across our region to give where they live. Our community showed up in a big way. We are overjoyed with the response from the Brazos Valley and excited for the nonprofits to obtain their final numbers,” stated Molly Watson, co-chair. Brazos Valley Gives is a giving initiative that culminates with 18 hours of online giving that brings the region together on one day and as one community to raise critical funding and awareness for nonprofit organizations throughout the Brazos Valley. The Community Foundation’s Brazos Valley Gives provides citizens and businesses with an easy platform to support the mission and “good works” of local nonprofit organizations that serve the Brazos Valley. Brazos Valley Gives empowers individual donors and business leaders to come together to support causes close to their hearts—and, on this day, everyone is a philanthropist. This day of giving where you live is championed by the Community Foundation, and all donations pass-thru directly to the donor’s charity(ies) of choice.
