CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Local non-profits were big winners in the May 6 Big Day of Giving. Many achieved support that surpassed fundraising hopes. Choreographed by the Sacramento Region Community Foundation, the 24-hour give-a-thon this year assisted 688 organizations. Top Carmichael beneficiary, the Effie Yeaw Nature Center, rallied $68,000 in support. Friends of Sacramento Library raised almost $103,000 – a windfall that in part assists Carmichael Library.

The Kiwanis Club of Carmichael Foundation set a $10,000 goal and gave a massive thumbs up when more than $22,000 flooded in. “We’ve had to cancel six of our biggest annual fundraisers in the last 15 months,” said Kiwanian Michael Koerner. “The BDOG result allows us to continue community giving until we can resume our normal fundraising activities next year.” A $5000 check from Lyon Real Estate boosted the club’s appeal.

Effie Yeaw supporters rejoiced in gifts that topped projections by more than $18,000. Administered by the American River Natural History Association, the facility funds educational programs solely through public generosity. The Center was COVID-closed for part of last year and forced to cancel many income-generating programs. “We were thrilled and thankful the community stepped up,” said Center spokesperson Kathy Fleming. “It’s been a rough year. Our appeal was boosted by large donations from several local families; these were used as matching incentives for hundreds more donors.”

Carmichael Parks Foundation realized over $14,000 – 40 percent more than last year. This total included matching funds from community philanthropist Paul Pennington. Two $500 incentive prizes further assisted. Awarded by Big Day organizers, these rewarded the group with most donations in one hour. “Our directors set alarms and gave online between 4 and 5 am,” explained president Sue Boucher. “In that hour, we raised $4170.” The Foundation provides youth program scholarships and improvement for Carmichael’s many reserves.

Kids helping Kids is a student-run nonprofit at Del Campo High School. On May 6, the teenagers raised almost $7000 to aid children in need. Support included a $1000 gift from Supervisor Rich Desmond. The District 3 leader also wrote checks for the Children’s Receiving Home of Sacramento, Effie Yeaw Nature Center and Sacramento Parks Foundation.

Sacramento Fine Arts Center whipped up nearly $18,000 – a $500 “Early Dog Prize” helped fill the artists’ pot. Fair Oaks Theater Festival’s appeal generated almost $11,000. Nature lovers opened wallets for conservation causes. The Placer Land Trust had a compelling net of $174,000. The American River Park Foundation and Save the American River Association achieved $15,245 and $12,625 respectively.

Children’s Receiving Home of Sacramento collected more than $85,000. Soil Born Farms – a Rancho Cordova enterprise that promotes sustainable food production – harvested almost $32,000. Orangevale/Fair Oaks Food Bank gained $11,500 in donations. Carmichael’s Homeless Assistance Resources Team (HART) was aided by $4500. Fair Oaks Rotarians raised $6900. In North Highlands, California Aerospace Museum supporters set a goal of $20,000 and landed a $27,000 refuel.

To the delight of the Sacramento Region Community Foundation organizers, overall BDOG donations set a nine-year record at $13.3 million. Top beneficiaries included The Salvation Army ($345,000); Sacramento Food Bank (nearly $240,000); ACC Senior Services (more than $200,000); Sacramento SPCA almost ($198,000); Yolo Food Bank ($195,500). Crocker Art Museum topped cultural causes with more than $167,000 in gifts. Kiwanis Family House banked over $135,000 and Shriners Hospitals gained $100,000.

“People really responded to need,” confirmed Sacramento Region Community Foundation CEO Linda Beech Cutler. “People seem to realize that non-profits are critical to communities. BDOG aims to make philanthropy possible for everyone, so we were delighted when more than 36,500 people gave. More than a quarter of our donors were first-time givers and most contributed $50 or less. Small amounts make a huge difference. Despite the many challenges we face, the spirit of generosity is alive.”

Sacramento Regional Community Foundation’s Big Day of Giving has provided fundraising opportunities for nine years. The 2022 BDOG is scheduled for May 5. For more details, visit www.bigdayofgiving.org