The Adams County Community Foundation’s seventh annual Giving Spree exceeded all expectations on November 9, 2017. If you were anywhere near the Gettysburg Area Middle School looking for a place to park that afternoon, you knew there was something special happening.

Indeed there was.  Our community was busy digging deep to raise $565,145.45 to support the work of 71 Adams County nonprofits. The Spree has grown ever year, including a 60% increase from last year. 2017 Adams County Community Foundation Giving Spree Final Allocation to nonprofit organizations

Yes, the Spree is an opportunity to give, but it’s also an opportunity to inspire, learn and connect.  Representatives from nonprofits introduced, or reintroduced, themselves to the community and each other. Our match funds encouraged nonprofits to raise donations that night, but when you get that many generous souls in one place, you encourage volunteerism and collaboration. You could tell people were sharing what they were most passionate about. There was a constant hum of conversation punctuated with laughter and surprise as friends met and introduced each other to a favorite project, person or decorated piggy bank.

Those piggy banks, and the $10 Spree coin given to each person who entered, were designed to encourage conversation. The Community Foundation knew the Middle School was also hosting parent-teacher conferences that evening and we were inspired when parents with children in tow used the Spree as a teaching opportunity to introduce the joy of giving and volunteerism to their children. Many young adults came with their parents and friends to secure service learning opportunities. This type of meaningful community service will enrich their learning experience, teach them civic responsibility, and strengthen our communities

Nearly 200 young people joined us to learn about the groups that help in every corner of Adams County. Those young people are Adams County’s next bumper crop of volunteers, future board members and civic leaders. The Spree is one way to nurture those leaders.

And of course, we kicked off the giving season in a big way.

At the Adams County Community Foundation, we encourage donors to “Give Now” “Give Big” and “Give Forever”

“Give Now” is all about supporting the issues you care about with a gift in any amount.  You can do it on an annual basis, or whenever the spirit moves you. The Spree is a good place to Give Now.

“Give Big” encourages you to consider a larger gift that feels significant to you and the nonprofit you’re supporting.

“Give Forever” is about creating a permanent charitable legacy. It’s an opportunity to make a positive difference for generations based on the interests and values you hold dear.

For the 1,100 people who joined us for the Spree and the thousands more who are inspired by its results, the Giving Spree is extraordinary. It’s up to all of us to Give Now, Give Big and Give Forever to ensure Adams County continues to be a great place to live.