In just 24 hours, hundreds of local nonprofits around town hope to raise $1 million in a combined effort to raise awareness about the work and mission of each organization.
The Big Give SA is set for May 6. Beginning at midnight to midnight the next day, residents are encourage to log on to TheBigGiveSA.org to donate a minimum of $10 to any of the 467 nonprofits participating.
A coalition of representatives from the various nonprofits gathered on the steps of City Hall Tuesday to make the announcement and garner excitement about the first-of-its-kind fundraising event in San Antonio.
Mayor Julián Castro and a handful of city council members joined in to spread the message. Castro issued a challenge for every person to do their part.
"Whether you give at 6 o'clock at night or 6 o'clock in the morning, give something on May 6. Let's make The Big Give SA the most successful give in all the United States," he told the crowd.
To make a fun contest out of it, local businesses are pitching in a total of $224,000, which will go to three charter schools and will be used as challenge money for the nonprofits that gain the most donations for one hour, and other goals.
The San Antonio Area Foundation will not be participating in The Big Give because workers will be helping coordinate the event for other nonprofits. Area Foundation CEO Dennis Noll said there is a misconception among people about giving.
"A lot of people think that giving to charities is something that only a certain group of people do, or only wealthy people do. It's just not true," he said. "Our entire community needs to support these non-profits and support our entire community."
Disclosure Note: Texas Public Radio is one of the participating non-profits.
