The Columbus Foundation’s October Big Give event raised $51,840 for Ohio Wildlife Center, with bonus funds from the foundation extending the impact of Center supporters.
The 26-hour on-line giving rally generated funds for animal care, rescue and recovery, food, medicine and supplies for the Wildlife Hospital. The Columbus Foundation covered all credit card fees for gifts made during the Big Give, so 100 percent of donations reached Ohio Wildlife Center.
The Center was one of 71 nonprofit organizations that received gifts from more than 100 donors. A total of $16.5 million was raised for 906 nonprofit organizations from 14,690 individuals during the Big Give. Animal welfare organizations received about 5 percent of total gifts during the event.
“We are immensely grateful to Ohio Wildlife Center supporters who demonstrated such belief in our mission during this event,” said Dusty Lombardi, executive director of the Center.
“These donations will truly extend our capacity during one of our most challenging years to date in wildlife care,” she added. “With more than 5,200 animals brought to our Wildlife Hospital this year, 20 percent above what we typically see, our resources have been stretched to meet the demand.”
“The partnership with the Columbus Foundation to amplify this generosity enables us to continue our important work in wildlife rescue and recovery,” Lombardi said.