Go Big Give shatters records at more than $600,000

Go Big Give shatters records at more than $600,000
 
By Robert Pore
 
The recently completed storm shelter/safe room at the Head Start Child and Family Development Program in Grand Island is a dream fulfilled for Executive Director Deb Ross, who is standing in the room Wednesday during Go Big Give. "Keeping these kids safe is our number one priority," said Ross. (Independent/Barrett Stinson)
 
The Go Big Give campaign on Wednesday raised a record $600,013, surpassing its goal of $515,000 by $85,013.
 
"It was a remarkable day," said Karen Rathke, president of the Heartland United Way. "It was so fun and awesome. We were so grateful. This heartland area has such big hearts, and I think these nonprofit organizations have done an amazing job."
 
There were 3,646 donors giving to this year’s campaign.
 
The Edgerton Explorit Center of Aurora topped the list of the 110 nonprofits that participated in this year’s Go Big Give with 137 donors giving $73,078.
 
Second was the Grand Island Central Catholic Development Foundation with 97 donors giving $46,903.
 
Third was the Nebraska State Fair 1868 Foundation with 51 donors giving $32,719. Fourth was Howard County Medical Foundation with 55 donors giving $18,693. Fifth was Grand Island Area Habitat for Humanity with 160 donors giving $16,946.
 
This was the fourth year for Go Big Give. During those four years, more than $2 million has been raised for nonprofits. Last year’s Go Big Give campaign raised $510,000.
 
Go Big Give is a joint effort of the Heartland United Way and the Grand Island Community Foundation.