(WSIL) -- A joint effort between News 3 WSIL and the Southern Illinois Community Foundation offered a boost that exceeded expectations.
centered around "Giving Tuesday" on Dec. 1, but donations to the initiative have still been pouring in. GiveSI included a 30-hour window were donations were eligible for matching funds.
When all the numbers were totaled nearly $156,000 was raised. Organizers had hoped to bring in $30,000.
There were more than 930 unique donations made to 80+ non-profits and community organizations.
Some of those groups learned about the success of GiveSI during a video conference call on Tuesday. Those groups will start getting their portions of the donations this week.
Byram Fager, CEO and Executive Director of the Southern Illinois Community Foundation, said many groups saw unique donors because of the initiative. Many of the donors also chose to give to multiple organizations through GiveSI.
"Southern Illinois is well known for its generosity. I am proud to have been part of such an amazing outpouring of support for our community--especially in the middle of a global pandemic," said WSIL News Director Jeff Weinrich.
Michelle Snyder, Program Manager for the Southern Illinois Community Foundation, said large donations were made to Herrin House of Hope, The Boys and Girls Club of Southern Illinois, and The Autism Society of Southern Illinois after the 30 hour window had wrapped.
Raising funds has changed dramatically for non-profit organizations this year because of COVID-19.
"The goal was really to put money in your hands. Put money in your hands this year during COVID. We wanted to make sure that any amount that you lost in fundraising or you lost in general donations--we could get some of that back in your hands this year," Snyder said.
"Initiatives like GiveSI are a big part our mission at News 3 WSIL," Weinrich said. "Making a positive impact on the communities we serve is a driving force for our employees."Â
