The Community Foundation of Lorain County’s Connect to a Cause event raised $311,788 over 94 different non-profit groups this year. (Martin McConnell — The Morning Journal)
The Community Foundation of Lorain County had yet another smash hit fundraiser with its fourth annual Connect to a Cause.
In total, this year’s event included 94 different nonprofits from Lorain County.
Together, those groups were able to raise $311,788 this year, for a total of $1,061,788 since the event began four years ago, Community Foundation president and CEO Cynthia Andrews said during the announcement Oct 3 at the Sunset Terrace at Lakeview Park in Lorain.
“I want to thank our Lorain County community for responding to the call to support our community during these ongoing challenging times,” Andrews said. “Your generosity knows no bounds.”
Andrews highlighted a select few that truly went above and beyond, including this year’s award winner for the Connect to a Cause Rookie of the Year, Family Planning Services.
Andrews said that Family Planning Services raised $5,200 this year, and still felt they could have done more for their first attempt.
The Amherst Historical Society also was recognized with the annual Raising the Bar award.
The group raised 268 percent more than they did last year, Andrews said.
Last year, the Amherst Historical Society raised $1,840.
This year, it received $6,780 in donations during Connect to a Cause.
Andrews also shared the Community Foundation’s strategy with the public.
“(The plan) aligns perfectly with the essence of Connect to a Cause,” she said. “Our first goal focuses on prioritizing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in all facets of our work, both internal and external.
“Our commitment to this goal means actively seeking diverse perspectives in everything that we do.”
Andrews spoke on fostering a culture of philanthropy throughout the county, starting with local nonprofits.
Donating groups can also help create a ripple effect, moving down to single members of the community.
“We firmly believe in the transformative power of philanthropy to drive positive change within our community,” she said. “To achieve this, we are dedicated to collaborating with donors, nonprofits and community leaders.”
Strategic plan project think tanks will take place Oct. 30 and 31, Andrews said, which will continue furthering the work of Connect to a Cause for the next five years.
The think tanks will take place from 2 to 5 p.m., and 9 a.m. to noon respectively.
“As your Community Foundation, we need your help to ensure all voices are heard,” Andrews said. “We encourage anyone who is passionate about Lorain County, as we know you all are, to attend one of the sessions, and make sure your voice for the future of our county is heard.”
Andrews thanked Community Foundation supports from around Lorain County for their continued generosity.
She said that this year’s number of $311,788 is a testament to the strength of the community in all 34 municipalities.
“Collaboration is what it’s about, and our nonprofits know how to do that,” Andrews said. “We all know Lorain County is a very giving community, and I believe our nonprofits do fabulous work.
“But, we know there’s more work that can be done.”
Those looking to support the Community Foundation of Lorain County still can donate to the collective cause at peoplewhocare.org.
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