WEST VIRGINIA (05/08/2020) – Take 5 to Give 5 Statewide Giving Day, on May 5, 2020, raises over half a million dollars from donations and match funds for short-term and long-term relief during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hundreds of donors contributed a total of $505,000 on the giving day to charitable relief funds statewide responding to their communities’ needs. The campaign’s Matching Fund Sponsors: Toyota, United Bank, Highmark Foundation, Bernard McDonough Foundation, West Virginia American Water, and an anonymous donor matched their donations, $0.50 for every $1.
“We are extremely proud of the relief funds who exceeded our expectations raising over $500,000 statewide,” said Paul D. Daugherty, President and CEO. “Because of their dedicated efforts with Take 5 to Give 5, they can continue to support the many nonprofits and issues dealing with increased needs during this pandemic. We are also incredibly thankful to the hundreds of donors and the Matching Fund Sponsors who gave forward to our state and our communities during these difficult times. Their generosity shows that we are stronger together.”
All match funds will be distributed among 18 relief funds in West Virginia managed by participating community foundations and United Ways. They are deploying fast track funds to support organizations such as: food banks, identifying shelter options, healthcare, community economic development efforts, and general operating support.
“Although we are living in unexpected difficult times, we are not surprised by the strength, kindness, and generosity of West Virginians,” added Daugherty. “We’ve seen time and time again the resiliency of our communities, and we are so grateful they’ve chosen to give back and support the work being done to get through this hardship.”
The initiative was part of #GivingTuesdayNow – a global day of giving on May 5, 2020. All funds contributed to the participating relief funds will be used locally in West Virginia communities to meet the demand for critical services such as hunger relief, medical care, senior services, children, general operating support for nonprofits, and more impacted by the crisis.