2017 #BethelGives Campaign

Bethel Search and Rescue Volunteers receive their 2017 #BethelGives check. (Photo courtesy of BCSF)

by BCSF Staff

The #BethelGives coalition and Bethel Community Services Foundation are excited to announce the results of the second #BethelGives campaign, which ended in December 2017. After tallying contributions from several associated events, the campaign raised more than $35,000, a $10,000 increase over money raised in the 2016 #BethelGives campaign.

Ten local Bethel organizations were represented in the 2017 #BethelGives coalition- Bethel Search and Rescue, Bethel Winter House Shelter, Tundra Women’s Coalition, KYUK, Yuut Elitnaurviat, Bethel Family Clinic, Bethel Friends of Canines, YK Delta Lifesavers, Bethel Council on the Arts and Kuskokwim Consortium Library Foundation (KUC Library). This collaborative fundraising effort provided an opportunity for staff, volunteers and board members from various organizations to work closely together toward a common goal.

Tundra Women’s Coalition Executive Director, Eileen Arnold, explained why she loves #BethelGives.

“I get to spend creative time with some of the most passionate and engaged Bethel community members and work in partnership to further the mission of not just my own nonprofit, but other nonprofits I believe in and that make our community a great home.”

“Nearly all of our local nonprofit groups fundraise in one way or another,” said Michelle DeWitt of BCSF. “What makes #BethelGives special is that for the few weeks of this campaign, we are all supporting each other and the great work our groups do and how much value they add to our community and the entire region. Talking about all of our great work and raising money for all of the groups together is a great collaboration.”

In addition to the generosity of Bethel citizens, numerous Bethel and Alaska-based corporate partners were instrumental in the success of the #BethelGives campaign. Cash and in-kind contributions, opportunities for the public to make pledges and other innovative incentives were provided to the campaign by the Bethel Community Services Foundation, Bethel Native Corporation, ConocoPhillips AK, GCI, Donlin Gold LLC, Alaska Commercial Company, Swanson’s Grocery, First National Bank Alaska, Sarah Angstman, Psychologist, Rural Service Solutions, Long House Hotel, Vitus Energy, YPCC Coffee Cart, YPCC Saturday Market, Made With Love, Ed’s Auto, Kusko Cab Company and Aurora Sushi.

The aim of the annual #BethelGives campaign, a local spinoff of #GivingTuesday, is to offer the Bethel and YK Delta community increased opportunities to support local organizations as we all prepare for winter and the holiday season. Events included opportunities to contribute to local organizations at Saturday Market and local stores and businesses, a Fill the Stocking drive at Watson’s Corner, the Give+Get drawing and a Giving Wish Book outlining needs of local organizations that is available in printed form and online.

If you are interested in learning more about the #BethelGives campaign, would like to be involved in the 2018 campaign as a sponsor or volunteer or would like to look at the 2017-2018 Giving Wish Book, please visit www.bethelgives.org or contact Lisa Whalen at [email protected] or 907-545-1855.