BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — Capital Area United Way is getting ready to launch its big online fundraiser, 225GIVES, which will benefit more than 200 participating nonprofits in the area.
Director of Community Engagement of Capital Area United Way Melanie Henderson said the fundraising event gives back to a strong asset in the community, local nonprofits.
“They are the ones who are doing boots-on-the-ground work, but really, you know, unique programs in our community. And they rely on funds and the generosity of our community,” she said.
The 225GIVES fundraiser will happen on Tuesday, May 4, and be a day that participating nonprofits can engage in a “Challenge Fund” to raise money with the help of sponsors.
“What’s really special about 225GIVES day is we also have sponsors that donate to our challenge fund. And so those gifts go towards nonprofits who are winning prizes during the day, whether it’s the most amount of donors, the most amount of donations received. So we’re able to really maximize the amount on that day with our sponsorships,” said Henderson.
Although the big day is not until next week, local nonprofits have engaged in social media campaigns asking supporters to donate through the early giving week that is currently happening.
For local nonprofits, every dollar is important. Redstick C.A.R.E.S, a participating mental health nonprofit in 225GIVES. They emphasize that community support is very important and can help save lives.
“We have a lot of clients that come through here that want to see counselors that have been put on waitlists for six weeks or longer, which if you’re looking for mental health support and you’re in crisis, you don’t have six weeks,” said Director of Mental Health Development at Redstick C.A.R.E.S. Lauren Roberts.
Co-founder of Redstick C.A.R.E.S. Janneran Dixon said she is looking forward to the support of the online fundraising event as it will assist families in need.
“We have dedicated a large portion of our services to the people in our community who utilize the Medicaid system or who maybe don’t have insurance at all,” she said.
As of today, the campaign has raised over $50,000 and will assist nonprofits in categories such as animals, arts and culture; community improvement, education, environment, health, human services, religious, social advocacy and youth development.
For more information on 225GIVES and how to donate, go to www.225gives.org.
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