We interrupt our regularly scheduled programming to bring you this message about Give Miami Day.
MIAMI HERALD STAFF
Philanthropy isn’t just for the rich
Wednesday, the Miami Foundation will encourage contributions from $25 and more with its second Give Miami Day, which begins at midnight Tuesday.
During this 24-hour period, people can direct money to a particular group or groups – more than 400 Miami-Dade nonprofits are participating this year – or they can give to a general fund that will be split among all participating charities.
The Miami Foundation will contribute matching gifts of $25 to $10,000 on a percentage basis. So, if Charity A receives 2 percent of all Give Miami Day donations, the foundation will give the charity 2 percent of its match pool. All gifts must be made online via debit or credit card.
Last year, in Give Miami Day’s inaugural effort, nearly 5,000 people from across the world donated more than $1.2 million to about 300 nonprofits in Miami-Dade County in a 24-hour period. Individual donations ranged from $25 to $10,000.
By late morning Wednesday -- with 13 hours to go -- this year's Give Miami Day total eclipsed the $1 million mark.
“We created a tremendous Miami Moment last year, and we want to build on that,’’ said Miami Foundation CEO Javier Alberto Soto. “We really tapped into the deep spirit of generosity of Miami that isn’t always obvious. ....We truly respect and value the $25 donors and strongly believe that the $25 Give Miami Day donors of today have the potential to be the endowment builders of tomorrow.”
Overnight, more than $300,000 flowed into South Florida non-profits; by 11 a.m. more than 3,400 people had donated more than $1 million. There is still plenty of time to give to the non-profit of your choice because the campaign doesn't close till midnight.
Miami Herald Charities is participating in the effort, with contributions going to the annual Wish Book campaign to help needy, ailing and disabled families in South Florida.
Give via credit or debit card at givemiamiday.com. (and watch the counter go up, up, up)
Programs details: miamifoundation.org/givemiamiday
Follow along on Twitter: #GiveMiamiDay
Posted: Nov. 20, 2013