OCALA, Fl (352today.com) – The spirit of giving continues to resonate throughout a community renowned for its generosity.
Give4Marion may have been for only 33 hours, but the altruism demonstrated by the donors will benefit local nonprofits greatly with the money earmarked for the critical services they provide within the community. There were 5,076 donors and 7,959 gifts, totaling $2,355,597.
“I just love to see our community continue to give, and if you don’t want to give volunteer time,” said Lauren Deiorio, Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County executive director. “These people are doing things every day to support their missions, but they’re supporting our community. There’s nobody out there like them rolling up their sleeves, getting dirty and making it happen. I would say, if you haven’t aligned with a nonprofit, come see me at the Community Foundation. I’m happy to introduce you to some of those nonprofits. Get involved. This community is great and it’s only going to get better.”
However, the importance of the Community Foundation for Ocala and Marion County and their efforts during a short time frame to create awareness for the need in the community can’t be understated. There are thousands of people within the county who are facing serious challenges, those living beneath the poverty line, income strained families, citizens who are suffering from malnutrition, those on fixed incomes contending with the challenge of rising prices, healthcare and cost of services, those families having to make difficult decision after experiencing untoward circumstances, the homeless and many who are fighting addiction problems are among the concerns weighing heavily on the minds of others.
“For our organization, this is our big fundraiser,” said Stephen Zedler, The Pearl Project director of development. The organization in the past has held events and galas as fundraisers but didn’t do one this year. “This is our big fundraiser (Give4Marion). Historically, it’s always been our biggest fundraiser even when we have had an event. We rely on Give4Marion as a chance to make the money that we need for budget for the year, but it also gets us out into the community. It helps us raise awareness for what we do for people who would otherwise would not have heard of us or know about us at all,”
The Pearl Project educates and trains caregivers, parents, teachers, pastors, anyone who works with children who have suffered early trauma.
“We educate them in methods of caregiving, that are focused on healing, and help the children build relationship skills, and regulation skills,” said Zedler. “We also provide events like camp and nurture nights, where families and caregivers can not only learn but also practice those skills.”
The Marion Therapeutic Riding Association is among the many local nonprofits who benefit from the generosity of the community.
“Give4Marion is incredible, it makes the world go around,” said Catherine Sears, Marion Therapeutic Riding Association executive director. “It makes all of us come together, build friendships, and incredible partnerships. Veterans are going to benefit from this, they’re going to be able to walk a little taller, smile and find new purpose. Our kiddos and adults are going to find their way up on a horse, and find some freedom on horseback, of the mind, soul and legs. I’m so grateful for Give4Marion and what they do. They’re wonderful people. They’re family.”