2024 marked the fourth year in a row for the “Give Local” campaign, hosted by the Alleghany Foundation. Although the amount raised on their “Big Day of Giving” (May 21) was slightly less than last year, it still brought in nearly half a million dollars to help local nonprofits in the area.
In 2023, the “Give Local” campaign raised $498,074 during their online giving day with the help of 381 donors. This year, they raised $491,498 through 479 donors. Despite the $6,576 difference, the number of donors increased by nearly 100 from last year, marking the event a huge success overall!
The top five large nonprofits who raised the most money were Boys Home of Virginia with $313,527, Clifton Forge School of the Arts with $28,975, the MGCC (Mountain Gateway Community College) Educational Foundation with $22,550, the Masonic Theatre Preservation Foundation with $17,888, and Alleghany Highlands Arts and Crafts Center Inc. with $12.015. Altogether, they raised $426,060 of the total $491,498 which is around 87%.
The top five small nonprofits who raised the most money were the Alleghany Historical Society with $6,025, Appalfolks of America Association with $3,800, Alleghany Highlands Trails Alliance with $2,825, Valley Area Stretcher Transport with $1,840, and Cora Dance Alleghany with $1,810. Together, they raised $25,290 of the $491,498 which is around 5%.
Additionally, golden tickets were given out every hour in the amount of $200 each, beginning at 6 AM and ending at 8 PM for a total of $3,000 given out through golden tickets. Apart from the $3,000 in golden tickets, funds were also given out through power hours and through Alleghany High School’s “Senior Giving Project” which afforded seniors the opportunity to vote on a nonprofit of their choice to allocate a $50 donation to. It didn’t cost the seniors anything, as funds were provided by the Alleghany Foundation. The “Senior Giving Project” added $3,600 more to the “Give Local” campaign.
Last year, the now-retired Teresa Hammond who formerly served as director of the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Tourism was quoted as saying, “The community’s response to Give Local Alleghany Highlands has been amazing.” It is safe to say that after two years of nearly reaching the half a million dollar mark, Hammond’s words continue to ring true a year later.