Local Organizations Earned $21,000 On Giving Day

By Shannon Hicks, The Newtown Bee

The ninth annual Fairfield County’s Giving Day raised nearly $2.2 million for Fairfield County-based nonprofit organizations during the 24-hour period of Thursday, February 24. The event is a major annual undertaking by Fairfield County’s Community Foundation (FCCF).

For the eighth consecutive year, Stamford-based Curtain Call, Inc, was once again the lead fundraiser, finishing the effort with donation and prize funds totaling $98,038.02.

For the first time in the event’s history, the final numbers — overall and the lead fundraiser, among others — did not increase over the previous year’s efforts. The overall funds received in 2021 were just over $2.25 million; Curtain Call’s total was $121,648.

Nevertheless, FCCF President and CEO Juanita James called the 2022 event “such a success” in a video message posted once the day’s results were announced. “Your gifts help change lives,” she added.

Newtown nonprofits participated again this year, raising more than $21,000 collectively.

Powered by Fairfield County’s Community Foundation (FCCF), Fairfield County’s Giving Day is the region’s largest annual philanthropic event.

The mission of the event is to raise as much money as possible for 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in 24 hours, all done through online donations. All are invited to support a favorite program, cause, or nonprofit through tax-deductible donations of at least $10. There is no maximum donation.

The one-day regional effort harnesses the collective power of individuals, friends, families, businesses, employee groups, school groups, and others to transform how people think about, talk about, and participate in giving.

Nonprofit organizations register through FCCF, which organizes Giving Day with major support from Bank of America. This year, 403 organizations benefitted from the fundraiser.

Fifteen Newtown nonprofits participated this year, raising a collective total of $21,233 (versus a final total of $31,123 in 2021).

As with last year, Newtown Parent Connection led the local fundraising, raising $3,865 on February 24.

The following Newtown organizations also participated in the ninth annual event: Newtown Scholarship Association, raising $2,575; Merryhill Child Care Center ($2,245), Ben’s Lighthouse ($2,037), Kitten Associates ($1,910), Newtown Youth & Family Services ($1,783), Real Food Share ($1,250), Friends of the Newtown Community Center ($1,088), C.H. Booth Library ($1,085), and Sandy Hook Promise ($1,035).

Also, The Children’s Adventure Center ($950), Friends of Edmond Town Hall/The Mary Hawley Society ($550), Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue ($475), EverWonder Children’s Museum ($285), and Newtown Action Alliance Foundation, $100.

Participants not only collect donations from supporters, but also compete for financial prizes based on Most Unique Donors, Most Dollars Raised, Employee Engagement, Rookie of The Year, and other bonuses.

Sponsors provided a bonus pool of more than $100,000 in prize money for participating nonprofits this year.

None of the local nonprofits won any of those prizes this year, according to the Fairfield County’s Giving Day prize board. Curtain Call again picked up multiple awards, however, adding $11,000 — including one of the largest prizes of the day, an $8,000 award — to its final total.

FCCF initiated Giving Day to empower the community at large and to encourage local philanthropy across the many avenues of need in the region.

Associate Editor Shannon Hicks can be reached at shannon@thebee.com.