I’ve been hoping to write and post a blog about the Lancaster County Community Foundation’s spectacular philanthropy event The Extraordinary Give for a while now. I simply haven’t been able to make the time. So instead, Tracy Cutler, the chief communication officer for the foundation, was kind enough to email me with an overview to share here on my blog:
In summary, the Extraordinary Give is the first-ever 24-hour online giving marathon benefiting Lancaster County nonprofits coming this Friday, November 30, from 12 midnight- 11:59 pm. On that day, individuals will be able to visit ExtraGive.org from a computer, smart phone or tablet device, choose from nearly 200 local organizations and make an online donation. Every donation on that day will be stretched with a $250,000 contribution from the Lancaster County Community Foundation plus $50,000 in additional prizes.
All donations will happen at ExtraGive.org.
The Extraordinary Give is a unique opportunity to support a wide range of causes in Lancaster County and have every donation stretched to do more. It is really shaping up to be a community rallying event and is open for people to engage an support Lancaster County in any way they choose.
The Community Foundation will host a 24-hour Giving Lounge at the Ware Center. We’ll have a kick-off from 10 pm – midnight on Nov 29 and will remain open with live events (including live animals!), donor prizes, giving kiosks and food and drink until our finale celebration from 10 pm – 12 midnight on Nov 30. The Lounge is free and open to the ‘giving’ public!
Many organizations are hosting special events or giving stations on November 30. Various local businesses, including Isaac’s, Essen, Rodgers & Associates and Prana yoga are also supporting the event with discounts and events.
Support the Environment in Lancaster County
There are many great organizations to support. I would like to single out the Lancaster County Conservancy as being worthy of your donations. Last year, LIVE Green, which is the driving force for urban greening and green infrastructure in Lancaster city, merged with the Conservancy in order to become the premier environmental organization in Lancaster County. I am proud to have been a part of the joint committee that shepherded that merger, and I’m proud to chair the Conservancy’s LIVE Green committee today. Many of you know Fritz Schroeder, the amazing professional who is the key staff person for LIVE Green. If you ever wanted to support his work, or if you ever wanted to do something to support more rain barrels, green roofs, rain gardens, and permeable-pavement alleys in Lancaster, today is the day to give. Please go to the Lancaster County Conservancy page on ExtraGive.org to join me in giving what you can.
Tell Us What Organization You’re Supporting Today
I am opening up the comments below for you to share with the world your case for what organization you’re supporting today, and to encourage others to join you, just as I have done here for the Conservancy!
Be sure to include a link to their page on ExtraGive.org.
My wife & I have donated to WJTL and Junior Achievement of Central PA! Both great organizations that help make Lancaster a better place to live and raise children! https://extragive.s3.amazonaws.com/npo23-2269420.html (WJTL) and https://extragive.s3.amazonaws.com/npo23-1472517.html (Junior Achievement)
Thank you, Steve!
100% of our gifts to Pennsylvania College of Art & Design today go directly to scholarships for deserving youth and teens. The classes and hands-on experiential learning sessions, that they will be able to participate in thanks to you, are part of our Continuing Ed and Mosaic Project programs. Here’s our giving page on the LCCF site today: https://extragive.s3.amazonaws.com/npo23-2215278.html
That’s amazing, Mary! Thank you!
I am supporting two organizations today – Arch Street Center and the YWCA Lancaster. Arch Street Center is an amazing organization that supports the recovery of adults living with mental illness. Every dollar that comes in is put to good use. I also support the YWCA and their efforts to eliminate racism and empower women. Two outstanding organizations that totally deserve our community’s support.
Thank you, Susanne!
Thank you Daniel and Tracy for sharing this information. I am astounded at the outpouring of support and donations from the Lancaster Community. I would like to ask everybody to please support Junior Achievement of Central PA today. JA empowers young people to own their own economic success. JACP’s volunteer delivered, K-12 programs foster work readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy skills which inspire kids to dream big and reach their potential. The direct link to the JACP donation page is http://bit.ly/119sHep Thank you in advance for your donation.
The second shout-out of the day for Junior Achievement! Thank you, Kris!
I am contributing to the Lancaster County Art Association through the Extra Give campaign. The LCAA is a terrific organization that for 76 years has supported the arts in Lancaster County through art education, programs and opportunities for artists to exhibit their work and for the public to see the work of local artists. Here is a direct link to their page for donating through the Extra Give campaign. Thank you! https://extragive.s3.amazonaws.com/npo23-6297344.html
Thank you for sharing about the Art Association, Virginia! I will always fondly remember how the Art Association hosted the Lancast anniversary show!
I’m promoting giving to the Lancaster Education Foundation. We support students and teachers in the School District of Lancaster. Yes, that’s it! That’s what we do and we love it. We’re a small shop with all PT staff and lovely volunteers that make things happen like field trips and educational opportunities that limited tax dollars simply don’t cover. If you are for students and want to help make sure everyone receives quality educational experiences then please support us via the Extraordinary Give. Thanks Daniel for the post and, as always, making the connection:)
Rock on, Shanon! Kids aren’t just our future, they’re a major part of our present. I love the focus of the foundation.
A bunch of great causes. +1 to the Lancaster Conservancy and also check out the Farmland Trust and help preserve our free space and heritage.
Give Local
Indeed, what would Lancaster County be without our open spaces and without our agricultural heritage? Thanks for the comment, Ethan!
I already support E-town College, United Way and WITF so I chose someone new from the list – picked Long’s Park Amphitheater because I was just introduced this summer to its free Sunday concerts and think it’s just a fantastic place and a great asset to our community!
I supported the YWCA of Lancaster of which I am proudly a Board member. Additionally, we chose to make gifts to the Lancaster Rec and the Humane League. We are so grateful for the ability and opportunity to be able to support those who help make Lancaster a wonderful place to live.