If you live in Northeast Nebraska, you may have heard a lot of buzz about the upcoming Norfolk Area Big Give. You’ve seen it advertised and heard some ladies talking about it in the baking aisle at Lou’s Thrifty Way. But what exactly is the Norfolk Area Big Give?

According to Ryan Leichenhauer,vice-chair of the Philanthropy Council of Northeast Nebraska and executive director at the Elkhorn Valley Museum says,

“The Norfolk Area Big Give is a 24 hour fundraising period that is being run by the Philanthropy Council of Northeast Nebraska. 30 nonprofits from around the area are participating, including the Elkhorn Valley Museum. The Big Give really represents the power of the nonprofit community and what we can do as a community when we work together.”

The Big Give, a first-time project of the Philanthropy Council of Northeast Nebraska,  is a chance for the citizens of Norfolk to come out on Tuesday, May 24 and celebrate their favorite nonprofits or charities. It’s a time for the community to come together and celebrate giving.  

Jake Claussen, Chairman of the Philanthropy Council and Director of Faith Regional Health Services Foundation says The Big Give is a great way to educate the community about the contributions nonprofits make to this area. “I hope everyone feels a tremendous sense of pride.  Pride in the amazing work being done in our community, pride in their ability to help further the cause(s) of their choosing, and pride in living in a community working together to make tomorrow better for everyone,” said Claussen.

Nonprofits that are participating range from Faith Regional Health Services Foundation to CASA of Northeast Nebraska. Each nonprofit that is a part of The Big Give is asked to hold a fundraiser of some sort.

For instance, the Elkhorn Valley Museum is hosting a drive-thru lemonade stand that will be selling old-fashioned lemonade and baked goods from 11am-4pm on May 24. The funds will be used to further children’s programming at the museum.

This event is the perfect way for area residents to get to know their nonprofits and learn how they can help. Participating in the Norfolk Area Big Give does not require a wallet full of money. Any and all contributions are beneficial. Leichenhauer said “When someone participates in the Norfolk Area Big Give, no matter how much they’re giving, you can know that you’re helping to make a difference in the community.

You can see a full list of the nonprofits participating in the Norfolk Area Big Give on their website.

For more information on how to make a donation, go to the Philanthropy Council of Northeast Nebraska’s frequently asked questions page.