WESTFIELD- Valley Gives Day, a 24 hour e-philanthropy event that took place last week, raised a total of $1,174,737 which included 10,606 individual donations to over 270 non-profit organizations and programs. Hosted by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, partnering with eight of the leading funding organizations serving western Massachusetts, Valley Gives Day raised considerable amounts of money to organizations located in Westfield.
Vice President of Philanthropic Services at the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts Kristin Leutz said that “the Community Foundation is incredibly proud of the nonprofits that participated in Valley Gives Day” and “the donations and dollars raised exceed our expectations”. Leutz also added that the Community Foundation is so pleased that they “helped create a tidal wave of generosity last Wednesday”.
The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield raised $16,170 through Valley Gives and ranked number seven in the large nonprofit category for the amount of money raised. Executive Director Bill Parks said that “on behalf of the kids, staff, and board members”, they would like to thank everyone who donated to the Boys & Girls Club. Overall they are “very pleased” with the support that was given and are already “looking forward to next year”.
Each year, the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield gives out up to $80,000 in free program services and the money raised through Valley Gives will be distributed evenly through those programs, emphasizing the Boys & Girls Club’s five core program areas: positive self-identity, health and well-being, commitment to learning, social competency, and community and civic involvement.
Amelia Park Ice Arena, also part of Valley Gives, raised $5,715 for their Annual Sled Hockey Tournament, as well as their blocks of ice campaign that donates ice time to nonprofits and their new program whose goal is to give underprivileged youth the opportunity to learn how to skate.
Results from Valley Gives Day are now posted on valleygives.razoo.com.
