Donor's Pledge Sparks Giving In Washington County
HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) -- Three nonprofit groups in Washington County say they saw a surge in donations thanks to a pledge by an anonymous donor to match any gifts up to $10,000.
The groups announced the pledge from the unnamed donor in early November. The deadline for donations to be matched was Dec. 15.
Directors of all three organizations say they raised far more than $10,000 by the deadline.
Jodi Stock, executive director of REACH Caregivers, says the group received $72,000 in donations during that timeframe. REACH runs a cold-weather homeless shelter and provides other aid to the needy and was facing a $54,000 budget deficit when the fundraising challenge was announced.
Holly Place, nonprofit assisted-living facility for low-income seniors, received $20,000. The Community Free Clinic of Washington County also got more than $10,000 in donations.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
