Local Nonprofits raise $16K in Second-Annual #GivingTuesday

A group of nonprofits funneled their efforts on what's come to be known as Giving Tuesday, raising $16,831 through Anne Arundel Cares.

For the second year in a row, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving has been used by charitable groups as a way to drive donations. This year, the effort was spearheaded locally by Anne Arundel Cares, chaired by Joanna Conti, a resident of Broadneck. 

Of the total amount, $13,331 was contributed online to 19 different nonprofits through Anne Arundel Cares, Conti said.

The idea behind Giving Tuesday started in 2012 with the 92nd Street Y in New York City and the United Nations Foundation. 

"It's a day to pause from the 'getting' and concentrate on giving back," Conti said.

The hashtag #GivingTuesday was used throughout social media networks on Dec. 3 to promote the event. 

Among the biggest earners this year was the Anne Arundel County Literacy Council, which raised a total of $8,225 thanks to a final $1,000 prize from The Razoo Foundation and $500 from Anne Arundel Cares. The organization was in the top 25 earners in the nation, Conti said.

The council helps volunteer tutors provide weekly sessions with illiterate adults.

Other top local earners included the Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, Creating Communities and Food Link, each of which also earned $500 from Anne Arundel Cares. 

Learn more about the organization at www.aacares.org. Since it launched in September 2012, it has raised $108,906 for local nonprofits.