SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - Local non-profits were big winners in the May 6 Big Day of Giving. Many achieved support that surpassed their hopes.

Choreographed by the Sacramento Region Community Foundation, the 24-hour giveathon this year helped 718 organizations and raised a record $13.4 million. Since the 2013 inception of this annual appeal, public philanthropy has helped Sacramento, Yolo, El Dorado and Placer County charities to the tune of $78 million.

Effie Yeaw Nature Center’s total"'almost $70,000"'exceeded last year’s results by $3000. Administered by the American River Natural History Association, Effie Yeaw programs are funded solely through donor support. The Center was hard-hit when the pandemic cancelled most income-generating programs. “We were thrilled the community stepped up,” said ARNHA president Laurie Weir. “Our membership has increased, and we saw more generosity from businesses and corporations.” The center’s BDOG appeal was boosted by large donations from Carmichael’s Clark, Kennedy, Getz, Ahders and Halnan families.

Carmichael Parks Foundation set a goal of $20,000 and topped that dream by more than $5000. This total includes a $10,000 gift from the Borman family. Two BDOG incentive prizes also rewarded the group. “Our supporters set alarms and gave online between 4 and 5 am,” explained president Sue Boucher. “In that hour, we raised $4008 and got an Early Dog Prize of $500.” The Foundation provides park beautification and youth program scholarships.

Eighty donors gave the Carmichael Kiwanis Club $18,377. “Over (pandemic) years, we’ve had to cancel fundraisers,” said Kiwanian Virginia Stone. “BDOG results allow us to continue community giving until our fundraising gets back to normal.”

Kids helping Kids is a student-run nonprofit at Del Campo High School. The teenagers’ total $1167 for children in need included a check from Supervisor Rich Desmond. District 3’s leader also gave to Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Carmichael HART, Carmichael Parks Foundation, the California Aerospace Museum, Fair Oaks Rotary and Sacramento Fine Arts Center–among other regional gifts.

Nature lovers opened wallets wide. Placer Land Trust’s appeal yielded $202,500. The American River Conservancy (El Dorado County) was enriched by $39,600. The American River Parkway Foundation and Save the American River Association gained $19,233 and $11,000 respectively.  Soil Born Farms–a Rancho Cordova enterprise that promotes sustainable food production–harvested $22,000. 

Yolo Food Bank achieved a record total of almost $370,000. Orangevale/Fair Oaks Food Bank gained more than $7,500. Carmichael’s Homeless Assistance Resources Team (HART) was aided by $2200. Fair Oaks Rotarians raised $8566.

Top regional beneficiaries included The Salvation Army ($389,000); ACC Senior Services (more than $296,000); Sacramento SPCA ($203,000); Sacramento Food Bank ($202,000).

Cap Radio topped the cultural leaderboard at more than $212,500; the B Street Theatre raised $157,200. Crocker Art Museum collected almost $106,000. Patrons applauded Fair Oaks Theater Festival’s appeal with $13,000 in gifts. In North Highlands, California Aerospace Museum was refueled with a $25,300 in support.

Children’s charities traditionally compel big BDOG responses. Kiwanis Family House banked almost $132,000; Shriners Hospitals easily topped a $100,000 goal; Sacramento Children’s Home collected over $141,000.

“People responded to need,” confirmed Sacramento Region Community Foundation CEO Linda Beech Cutler. “This year we were concerned about inflation affecting people’s ability to give. But donors seem to realize that non-profits are critical. BDOG aims to make philanthropy possible for everyone, so we were delighted by 30,652 donations. Many were from first-time givers, with sums of between $15 and $50. Small amounts make a huge difference.”

The 2023 BDOG is scheduled for May 4. For more details, visit www.bigdayofgiving.org

Footnote: This report reflects BDOG leaderboards. Not all May 6 donations are recorded by this source.