Midlands Gives Breaks 2014 Record Before Day Ends

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Columbia, S.C. (WOLO) — On Tuesday, people across the midlands came together to donate to organizations across the midlands and make an impact, through Midlands Gives. “It’s been electric,” said Central Carolina Community Foundation President Joann Turnquist. Turnquist said the numbers climbed to record breaking heights before noon on Tuesday. “We have doubled what we did last year at this time of day,” Turnquist said. With more than 250 non-profits participating this year, Turnquist tipped the hat to members of the community eager to give back to the organizations they cherish. “People have a passion for animals or the arts or the environment and to be able to give on a day where their gifts are magnified makes a huge difference and really motivates people to give,” explained Turnquist. On the receiving end, several non-profits said the 24-hour day of giving created greater awareness and the money raised goes towards the specific needs of their organization. “The dollars we raise today will all go toward the care, feeding and medicine for the wildlife animals that come into our facility,” said Jay Coles, Executive Director of Carolina Wildlife Center. “Every dollar donated to Harvest Hope becomes 5 meals,” said Skot Garrick from Harvest Hope. “We really want to raise money today (Tuesday) that they can put towards scholarships for our members so they can get a higher education and advanced degrees that will help them in their careers as a fireman,” said Jason Pope, South Carolina State Firefighters Association. Organizers continued to tally the donations throughout the day and night, with one goal in mind. “Wouldn’t it be awesome to say, ‘one day, one million dollars?” said Turnquist. Midlands Gives runs until 11:59 Tuesday night, donations can be made at midlandsgives.org.