GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) — Over a million dollars was raised for 40 area charities during the “Give Big Green Bay” fundraising drive put on by the Green Bay Community Foundation.
$1,231,296. That’s the final number for 2020’s “Give Big Green Bay” program. Greater Green Bay Community Foundation President Dennis Buehler says he’s delighted with the numbers.
“It’s been incredible,” Buehler told WTAQ on Wednesday. “Each year it continues to grown, not specifically in the amount of dollars we raise, but the awareness we bring to so many incredible nonprofits.”
The Green Bay Packers contributed a quarter of a million dollars to a $360,000 pool of matching funds for the program. It convinced Liz Brand, a dog lover, to donate to the Green Bay Humane Society.
“I thought that the matching by the Packer organization was a great idea,” Brand said. “I wanted to capitalize on that.”
She donated in person, but the majority of donations came from their GiveBigGreenBay.org website during the 24 hour open period.
The 40 charities ranged from animal welfare organizations to Habitat for Humanity to COMSA, an organization that helps refugees, such as volunteer Mohammad Farah, get settled in the area.
“Refugee families need housing access, employment, and adult education, as well as homework support for students,” Farah said Wednesday.
Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity was the greatest beneficiary with over $64,000 raised. The St. John the Evangelist Homeless Shelter and the Green Bay Area Humane Society also were in the top three most-donated-to organizations during the event.
