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Do More 24 Raises $1.1 Million

The second annual Do More 24 crowdfunding campaign raised $1.1 million in online donations for nonprofits in the Washington, D.C.-area last Sunday, bringing a mid-year boost to 560 charities. It was down roughly $200,000 from last year.

Hosted by the United Way of the National Capital Area (UWNCA), the second year of the 24-hour day of giving brought in the cash from 11,358 donors on the Do More 24 website. Event organizers were hoping to raise $1 million this year and went over that goal.

Last year, $1.3 million was raised from 11,000 donors, though donations were accepted a day before the event launched and the giving period was extended a day due to technical difficulties.

“The outpouring of generosity from so many civic-minded citizens for the essential work of National Capital Area nonprofits is extraordinary,” said UWNCA President and CEO Rosie Allen-Herring. “Widespread support from all sectors of the region – corporations, retail establishments, local governments, nonprofits, and media organizations – made this year’s Do More 24 an even greater success. It’s quite inspiring to see everyone come together on one day to make our region a better place for all.”

Charities were awarded with matching funds for being at the top of the leaderboard in different categories, similar to other online days of giving. A total of $72,500 in funds were provided for nonprofits that had the most unique donors or the most amount raised. The winners in those categories were:

  • Most Unique Donors for the Day – $15,000 – Little Lights Urban Ministries
  • Most Unique Donors by Half-Day Mark – $5,000 – Homeward Trails Animal Rescue Inc.
  • Most Dollars Raised for the Day – $7,500 – Joseph’s House
  • Most Dollars Raised by Half-Day Mark – $5,000 – Homeward Trails Animal Rescue Inc.

The top overall donation earners were Joseph’s House ($36,304), Friends of Homeless Animals ($28,594) and Little Lights Urban Ministries ($26,516). A statement from Joseph’s House said that the donations will be used to provide “personalized around-the-clock care” to the men and women who come to Joseph’s House. These individuals are nearly all homeless and are affected by life-threatening diseases such as AIDS or cancer.

“Winning the prize of $7,500 for having raised the most money gets us close to our personal goal – to have raised $50,000 for the men and women of Joseph’s House,” said Patricia Wudel, executive director of Joseph’s House. “We have great incentive to reach out to more people in more ways next year and try again to meet our personal goal!

The $1.1 million is subject to change, as event organizers say donations are still being counted, including proceeds from supporting businesses, restaurants, and special events.