WASHINGTON — The community is showing overwhelming support for Washington nonprofit organizations.
The GiveBIG Fundraising event for our state’s nonprofits reached its initial goal of $12 million Tuesday night. On Wednesday, organizers stretched the goal to $18 million. The remaining 48-hour push is to raise funds during a time when the need is greater than ever.
“We’re finding ways to come together and to rally our community to keep supporting the causes that are close to their hearts,” said Jessica Matthews with Make-A-Wish Foundation of Alaska and Washington.
“For wish kids, we really want to give them that knowledge that their community is around them and supporting them,” said Matthews.
Delivering hope to kids with critical illnesses is the main mission of Make-A-Wish Foundation. The Alaska and Washington chapter has 520 children waiting for wishes; 135 are postponed due to COVID-19.
The organization is asking for donations now, so that when restrictions are lifted they can once again grant wishes for some of our most vulnerable population.
“We really want to have those resources coming in now, so those who have to wait don’t have to wait longer than necessary,” said Matthews.
The Seattle Aquarium is another nonprofit in need. The organization cut payroll by 50% and implemented new safety measures to maintain operations.
“We’re making sure we’re social distancing, and we’re keeping staffing to a minimum, all while making sure our world-class animal care and welfare goes on without a hitch,” said Seattle Aquarium Curator of Mammals and Birds, Traci Belting.
By the end of May, the aquarium estimates a $4 million loss in ticket sales, which is nearly a quarter of the attraction’s yearly ticket revenue.
“We don’t have that revenue anymore, so it’s important to continue the critical science and conservation work that we do here; we can’t do it without you, so we really appreciate everyone’s donations at this critical time,” said Belting.
The Woodland Park Zoo is also struggling. Since the closure, the organization predicts a $7 million loss, which is 15% of the yearly budget to maintain operations.
“We have more than a thousand animals at the zoo, many of which are endangered species that we’ve been caring for, feeding, training and making sure they make their vet checkups, ever since the zoo has been closed,” said Woodland Park Zoo VP of Development, Sarah Valentine.
Many Washington nonprofits are staying connected to the public with virtual engagements. However, stay-at-home orders have made it difficult for these organizations to fund their missions. They’re asking donors to give what they can now, so they can continue to serve our community.
“After sheltering in place, we are really going to want to experience those pieces of our lives we hold dear, and consider important, and we want the nonprofits to be able to provide those experiences,” said Valentine.
Nearly 1,700 Washington nonprofits will benefit from the GiveBIG event. This pandemic hit during fundraising season for many nonprofits, so many are relying on virtual campaigns like these.