By Katie Ryan-Anderson
JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Nonprofits in the Jamestown region raised $1.2 million in one day.
Giving Hearts Day is a 24-hour fundraising event, held throughout the Upper Midwest. This year, 550 charities and 40,000 donors raised more than $26 million. Locally, that money reflects the generosity of the community, leaders said, saying proceeds would benefit children’s arts programs, elementary and university education, scholarships, spiritual care, athletic programs, the needs of senior citizens, healthcare and more.
The 15 Jamestown area nonprofits work together each year to maximize regional Giving Hearts Day results.
“We are feeling exhausted in the most amazing way possible. The day was a flurry of support, smiles, stories and sharing. We couldn’t be more blessed,” said Tara Kapp, director of development for the University of Jamestown.
UJ raised $53,000 which will support student scholarships.
The Jamestown Arts Center raised $15,000 on Giving Hearts Day, surpassing its goal of $10,000. Proceeds benefit The Arts After School program for children in grades 3-6.
“I am overwhelmed by the generosity of this community,” said Mindi Schmitz, Arts Center executive director.
St. John’s Academy raised $99,000, surpassing its goal of $80,000. Funds raised help keep tuition affordable for families and to sustain the annual budget, said Sarah Sankey, executive assistant for mission advancement & marketing.
“St. John’s Academy is incredibly grateful for the continued support from our family, friends, and the community of Jamestown! We are humbled and blown away by the tremendous support over Giving Hearts Day,” she said.
James Valley Youth for Christ offers Christian-based ministries to middle-school and high-school aged students. The group raised $30,300, exceeding its goal of $20,000. Giving Hearts Day donations support Youth for Christ’s efforts to expand staffing and ministry opportunities to more students.
“The generosity of the local area and the hearts of those who continue to support us never ceases to amaze us,” said YFC Board Member Nick Bruns.
Jamestown Regional Medical Center raised $129,000. Every dollar benefits patient care including new equipment in surgery, cancer center and radiology. The support also helps patient care programs, including hospice, infant loss, Kala’s Korner, Driven to Care and No Excuses, said JRMC Foundation Director Lisa Jackson.
“Every single gift is meaningful to us, big and small. We cherish the tributes to staff, patients and loved ones,” she said.
Learn more about Giving Hearts Day at givingheartsday.org.