Big Day of Giving has provided nearly $12 million to almost 700 Sacramento nonprofits
Big Day of Giving 2021 is underway, as Sacramento’s annual 24-hour charity drive looks to live up to last year’s record-setting performance.
Just after 10 p.m., more than 61,000 donations have already combined for nearly $12 million given to 688 local nonprofit organizations. Additionally, in a feature first added to the event last year, more than 1,000 volunteers have pledged more than 51,000 total hours of their time.
In its ninth year, the Big Day of Giving raised $52 million in its first eight charity drives, for an average of about $6.5 million a year, according to its website.
The event in 2020 coincided with the earliest weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic, which had left many nonprofits — especially those that depend on in-person events for funding, such as the performing arts — in dire straits. Donors stepped up big time, giving a record-shattering $12 million.
Topping last year’s leaderboard was Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, followed by the Salvation Army.
By Thursday night, the Salvation Army was on top at $327,000, followed by Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services at $205,600, Sacramento SPCA at nearly $195,000, Yolo Food Bank ($190,000) and ACC Senior Services ($189,000). Rounding out the top 10: Crocker Art Museum, Saint John’s Program for Real Change, Placer Land Trust, Sacramento Loaves and Fishes, and Kiwanis Family House.
The annual charity drive is organized by the Sacramento Region Community Foundation. A total of 688 nonprofits are participating this year.
Information on how to donate and a list of all organizations involved this year can be found at bigdayofgiving.org.
This story was originally published May 6, 2021 at 8:07 AM.
