Representatives from 48 local nonprofits met on April 19 to celebrate the eighth annual Match Madness campaign, which broke records in the number of donations received and grand total raised.
“We are astounded by the incredible rallying of support from our community, amidst challenging times,” shared Antonia Price, Director of Communications and Development. “This marks the most successful effort in the history of the campaign! More than $859,000 will go back into the community to support essential local services and resources. The impact of this collective effort is truly inspiring.”
Over the course of the month, the Partnership received hundreds of calls and in-person visits from neighbors eager to support Match Madness. More than 2,190 donations were made by local businesses and individuals committed to the cause, raising over $709,000 in flexible funding to support the work of local nonprofit organizations.
An additional $150,000 in matching funds were provided by the Partnership for Better Health with the support of M&T Bank, Josiah W. and Bessie H. Kline Foundation, McCormick Family Foundation, and donations from Partnership board, staff, and volunteers.
Top five fundraisers of the campaign were Project SHARE of Carlisle, The Peyton Walker Foundation, Community CARES, Tomorrow’s Neighbors, and The Salvation Army, each raising over $50,000 through generous donations in addition to the matching funds they will receive.
Funds raised through the campaign are crucial to core operations and special initiatives of many local nonprofits, who work across sectors to support wellness of individuals and community health.
“The reality is that, in Cumberland County, we have people who decide daily between food and medicine, or housing, or transportation, or education, or the many needs and services that other organizations work to stitch together for our community in need. We are here to reduce food insecurity with nutritious food and programs… It will help us reach out to more households with improved nutrition, as well as to kids with summer feeding needs,” said Joe Kloza, Project SHARE’s Education & Communication Outreach Coordinator. “We are thankful to live in a community that prioritizes needs and supports and recognizes those organizations who reach out to others who will benefit themselves and their families. This comes to a crescendo in March, thanks to the efforts and encouragement of the Partnership for Better Health as part of the Match Madness campaign.”
Whether small or large, many organizations were thrilled to meet their individual campaign goals.
“The South Mountain Partnership was honored to be invited to participate this year, and we identified a modest goal of funding two $600 grants. We were thrilled to exceed our goal and raise $900,” shares Julia Chain, South Mountain Partnership Program Manager. “Through the match, these donations will be doubled for a total of $1,800 for us to offer Flex Grants to support grassroots projects that conserve, promote, and protect landscape resources in Adams, Cumberland, Franklin, and York Counties, with a special focus on increasing diversity, access, and inclusion! This additional support doubles our overall investment. We want to sincerely thank our donors and the Partnership for Better Health for securing the match. We believe their promotion of the program and strong community reputation really helped us succeed!”
The Central Perry Community Senior Citizens Center flew past their goal, raising more than $16,900 plus matching funds to continue providing lunch and healthy activities free-of-charge to older adults on weekdays. This is their third year participating in the campaign and residents visited Central Perry Community Senior Citizens Center daily to learn the latest campaign results. Residents worked together to fill out wish boards, gathering change and cash in addition to online and check donations. Director Laurie Morris enthusiastically extended the fundraising thermometer displayed in the center as they passed goals. The organization rallied the support of Perry County, embracing the celebratory spirit of the campaign.
Funds raised by Tomorrow’s Neighbors through their “Defending Second Chances” Match Madness Campaign will go toward their mission to empower Returning Citizens to stop the cycle of crime by becoming responsible community members.
Co-Founder and Executive Director Kurt Danysh shares, “The money donated enables us to fulfill our mission. But it is the support and encouragement from the community that reinforces to the individuals we serve that they are not as bad as their worst moment, and that Cumberland County believes in second chances.”
Donors were extremely generous over the course of the month, with gifts ranging from one dollar in change to $45,000. Each of the participating organizations received a dollar-for-dollar match for the first $1,000 raised, plus a portion of $150,000 in matching funds based on the total they raised. Through the matching funds, many additional organizations were able to meet their fundraising goals.
Executive Director Becca Raley reflects, “In uncertain economic times for so many, this year’s outpouring of support for local nonprofits demonstrates sweeping recognition of the value and integrity of their work. The spirit of sharing and helping others is a distinct strength of our region.” She added, “We’re deeply grateful for the generosity of our community and honored to advance a huge collective victory.”
Learn more about the 2023 campaign, or view photos from the April 19 Celebration in the gallery above.