Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/116876
Sarasota News Leader March 22, 2013 Page 61 36-HOUR GIVING CHALLENGE RAISES NEARLY $2.8 MILLION The 36-Hour Giving Challenge, the online philanthropy event which took place on March 5-6, raised more than $2.78 million to benefit the 287 participating charitable organizations in Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota counties, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County has announced. Equally exciting for the organizers was the 65 percent increase in the number of gifts made over last year, a news release notes. ���This year, 17,626 donations were made from all 50 states and 42 countries, expanding the area���s donor pool and raising significant awareness of the work done by our local charities,��� the release adds. The 36-Hour Giving Challenge was presented by the Community Foundation of Saraso- ta County in partnership with The Patterson Foundation, with support from Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Manatee Community Foundation, Charlotte Community Foundation and the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation. ���It was incredible to see the community rally around the Challenge with enthusiasm, embracing the Internet and social media, along with more traditional fundraising tools,��� says Roxie Jerde, president and CEO of the Community Foundation, in the release. ���Competition can be a derogatory word but, in this case, it was really a positive. It has motivated people to give, and learn about our area���s nonprofit impact through The Giving Partner profiles,��� she added in the release. Staff members from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County with performers from Circus Sarasota. Contributed photo