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The GoodGiving Challenge is a boost for local nonprofits, but for some 'it might be their biggest fundraiser' of the year

Josh James
/
WUKY

Lexington nonprofits kicked off an online marathon fundraising event this week known as the GoodGiving Challenge.

Typically held at Tandy Park this year, the chilly temperatures moved the GoodGiving opening event into the government center, where representatives from dozens of local nonprofits packed onto the staircase with their signs in hand, creating a colorful backdrop as carolers sang them in

"Look at all of you. I think all 200 are here," Mayor Linda Gorton remarked.

The first announcement from Laura Parsons with the Bluegrass Community Foundation: The total is already climbing.

"The 2024 Good Giving Challenge officially launched this morning at 9:00 AM and since then the giving has already started rolling in, with nearly half-a-million raised so far," she announced to a round of cheers.

And Parsons notes the goal is to hit $3 million, an amount she says is more than just a holiday boost for many organizations participating.

"It is so important for these nonprofits who are participating. Some are big and some may do fundraising all the year. But for some it might be their biggest fundraiser, and it can help fuel their work into 2025," she says. "So it's a really important day and week. Giving is open through Friday and for some they might raise their entire budget for next year just in these four days."

In all, the challenge has raised 22 million for local nonprofit since 2011.

To be a part of the giving this year go to bggives.org.

Josh James fell in love with college radio at Western Kentucky University's student station, New Rock 92 (now Revolution 91.7). After working as a DJ and program director, he knew he wanted to come home to Lexington and try his hand in public radio.