I’m writing to thank the Mountain Xpress for launching its Give Local program, and in particular, to thank Susan Hutchinson for her leadership on this project. This new initiative helped raise thousands of dollars for 30 local nonprofits, including the one I work for — Homeward Bound of WNC.
This Web-based philanthropy program raised $37,774 for our community. The idea is to attract new supporters to our causes, to make it easy for those who have modest budgets to still give and to encourage younger people to become philanthropists.
What was refreshing about this giving initiative was the local flavor. The nonprofits that were chosen all do their work locally and are not supported by national charities. That means that the dollars we raised all came from our local community and STAY in our local community.
This giving initiative is also unique because it provides incentives for donors, even for those making very small gifts. Local businesses like High Five Coffee stepped up to provide thank-you gifts to those making donations — even modest donations like $5.
Our town is full of wonderful nonprofits providing all kinds of necessary services to our neighbors. We all work hard with limited funds to reach our goals and rely on our community to help us achieve them.
Thank you, Mountain Xpress, and Susan for helping lead us to a new way to gain support for the critical work we do. And if you gave through this program, thank you as well. You are actively engaging in your community and making Asheville a better place to live for everyone.
— Beth Russo
Director of Communication and Annual Campaign
Homeward Bound of WNC
Asheville
Editor’s note: Updates figures put the total amount donated to the Give Local program at $37,809.
Congrats! $37,809 is almost enough $ to fund another study as to why Asheville needs more over priced hotels/condos.
That should almost pay for entrees and drinks for 3 at the Aloft on a Tuesday night.