More than 70 local nonprofit organizations are participating in this year’s third annual Flathead Gives fundraising campaign.
The event, formerly known as Give Local Flathead, rallies support for a wide variety of nonprofits of all sizes and missions, including Paws to Play, Lighthouse Christian Home and Big Brothers Big Sisters.
The Flathead Community Foundation and Northwest Montana United Way are once again hosting the event, which starts at 6 p.m., Thursday, May 4 and continues until 6 p.m., Friday, May 5. Participants can make donations online at flatheadgives.org or by visiting the Gateway Community Center in Kalispell, where numerous nonprofits will set up tables and booths with colorful decorations based on this year’s Star Wars theme.
There are several community partner-sponsored prizes that will make participating especially entertaining this year. For example, prizes will be awarded to nonprofits that raise the most dollars during specific time periods, such as 6-9 p.m. and 9 p.m. to midnight. Prizes will also be awarded for the best costumes and best booth displays. Community members are encouraged to visit the community center during the fundraiser and learn more about the lineup of nonprofits and vote on best costumes and displays.
“We have an amazing community,” Judy Sommers, executive director of the foundation, said.
“This event is a chance for people to support the causes they care the most about.”
This year’s goal is to raise a total of $200,000. Last year’s event gathered $90,000.
“Every dollar makes a difference where it matters,” Sommers said.
Some nonprofits have matching donations attached to them, meaning an outside donor will match every dollar pledged by someone else. To view the list of matching opportunities, visit flatheadgives.org.