Utahns Give to Love UT Give UT
SALT LAKE CITY, March 26, 2015 – Utahns will again prove their record-breaking generosity by contributing to their favorite nonprofit organizations and schools today, March 26.
“Last year Love UT Give UT raised an astonishing $1,058,839 for 460 charities in just 24 hours. For 2015, we hope to raise $2 million for 500 charities and schools across Utah,” explained Blair Hodson, Director of Initiatives at the Community Foundation of Utah.
Love UT Give UT’s vision is that everyone contributes to the causes that matter most to them – their school, a favorite charity, or a specific need. It is a day for Utahns of all backgrounds to come together for 24 hours of giving using an online platform, www.loveUTgiveUT.org.
Many corporations are encouraging their employees to give through Love UT Give UT, and matching employee donations. “Corporations appreciate Love UT Give UT because it is simple, free, and fast. Employees appreciate being able to support any cause, organization, or community they wish,” added Hodson.
Love UT Give UT helps nonprofits and schools showcase their work and introduces them to potential donors. Last year, more than a third of all donors were new to the causes they supported, crucial to the sustainability of our region’s nonprofits.
Jerry Rapier, producing director of Plan-B Theatre Company, said last year they raised $6,600 from 252 donors. “We placed second among Small Nonprofits which won us a cash prize of an additional $2,500,” said Rapier. “Love Utah Give Utah has become a major part of our annual fundraising from individual donors. It’s also where we announce our upcoming season.” He said the money they raised last year all went toward work on new plays by local playwrights, as will the funds raised this year. “This year we’re particularly excited to announce our 25th anniversary season,” he added. “I just hope we can stave off the competition to finish in the top three again this year: the prize money is doubled, so if we finish second we’ll win $5,000!”
The Utah Film Center raised $3,803.47 last year. PR and communications co-ordinator Dana Hernandez said: “Love UT Give UT gives us an opportunity to show our community members exactly what their support allows us to do for them. For example, a gift of just $10 covers the cost of one-and-a half-tickets for low-income youth to our annual Tumbleweeds Film Festival for Children and Youth.”
She said the 2014 Love UT Give UT gifts helped them keep film free statewide, while also providing critical general operating support for the entire Utah Film Center. Last year alone they screened 300 films, 86% of which were completely free and open to the public.
“This year we hope to raise at least $10,000 to support our mission to bring the best documentary, independent, and dramatic film to all Utahns,” she said. “To help us meet our goal Cucina Deli at 1026 2nd Ave. is generously donating 20% of their sales to the Film Center on March 26. Also on Thursday at Cucina Deli, we’ll host events with our artistic director, the movie critic from the Salt Lake Tribune, our staff, and our board.”
Becca Dupaix, spokeswoman for Tracy Aviary, said the facility raised $3,635.00 during Love UT Give UT in 2014. She said Love UT Give UT is an important opportunity for Tracy Aviary to connect with the community and let them know their support is needed. “As a small nonprofit, we rely on individual donations to ensure an affordable cost of admission, maintain our grounds and exhibits, and continue providing the best in avian care to our beautiful birds,” she said. “None of those things would be possible without the donations we receive through campaigns like Love UT Give UT. We are so grateful for each and every donation, large or small made to Tracy Aviary.”
Donations made to Tracy Aviary during Love UT Give UT directly support the aviculture (bird-care), education and conservation programs. More than 400 birds representing over 100 species from as far as the Andes Mountains and as close as the Great Salt Lake call Tracy Aviary home, donations help provide for their veterinary care, food, and enclosures.
“We’ll be celebrating Love UT Give UT with $1 admission for everyone all day,” she said. “We’ll also be hosting a Partners Picnic in our Entrance Plaza from noon – 2 p.m. where visitors can enjoy a snack or game and learn about some of our wonderful partner organizations like Tree Utah, Utah Open Lands, Salt Lake CAP Head Start and Utah Symphony, Utah Opera. There will be a walk through our grounds with Andy the famous Andean condor at 2 p.m. Tracy Aviary will wrap up this fantastic state-wide day of giving with a free reading of Animals Out of Paper presented by Pygmalion Theater Company in our historic Chase Mill at 7 p.m.”
To give, please visit http://loveutgiveut.razoo.com/giving_events/UT15/home
