Midlands Gives 24-Hr Giving Challenge

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Columbia , S.C. (WOLO) — At the stroke of midnight, one of the largest annual fundraising events in the state will begin. The 24-hour giving challenge, Midlands Gives starts at midnight and runs until 11:59 Tuesday night. “People will go online and for a donation of $20 or more they will help magnify the Midlands,” said Central Carolina Community Foundation President Joann Turnquist. The online campaign will raise money for more than 250 local non-profit organizations signed up. “Any donation to the pets, no matter how small, makes a significant difference in the quality of life and quality of care they’re able to receive and how quickly we’re able to turn them around to where they can have a 2nd chance at a family or a life,” said Taylor Wilson, Director of Marketing and Communications at Pawmetto Lifeline. “Giving to the arts and giving to non-profits is like incredibly important and so many of these organizations are so dependent upon giving, so anytime you’re going to unite a cause that’s so important to our community, what a banner day,” said William Starrett, Executive Director of Columbia City Ballet. Whether it be to benefit dancers at the Columbia City Ballet or help give a pet a second leash on life, Wilson said online fundraising provides a platform for people of all generations to give back. “By making this an online giving forum, you’re really reaching out to a population that may not have been philanthropists before and now they have the opportunity to do so,” Wilson said. To donate on Tuesday, May 5, visit www.midlandsgives.org.