SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. -- Local nonprofits have lost critical donations because of the COVID-19 pandemic, that's why this year's Giving Challenge is more important than ever.
"This year we have lost a grassroots concert. We have lost a tour of homes event. We have lost about $155,000 in memberships and fees," said Jim McDaniel with The Center for Anna Maria Island, a nonprofit that focuses on community health and marine restoration.
McDaniel says this year's Giving Challenge, presented by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, couldn't have come at a better time.
"I think we're going to come out of this better as a country. And I think this Giving Challenge is at that special time where we're aware of each other's needs much more than we have been," said McDaniel.
The 24-hour Giving Challenge begins at noon on Tuesday, April 28, and ends at noon on Wednesday, April 29. Nearly 700 charities between Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte and DeSoto counties are taking part in the challenge.
Agape Flights, a nonprofit based out of Venice, is one of the hundreds of organizations taking part in the challenge. Agape flies supplies to more than 300 missionaries throughout the Caribbean as well as responds to disaster relief like hurricanes and earthquakes.
"It's a great way for our donors to double their money, so it's a great opportunity for people who give to nonprofits," said Allen Speer, CEO of Agape Flights.
The Patterson Foundation is providing a 1:1 match for donations, up to $100 per donor, per organization, with no limit on the number of individual matches a nonprofit can receive.
To give, visit givingpartnerchallenge.org and search for the charity that you want to help out.