by Bethel Community Services Foundation Staff
The #BethelGives coalition and Bethel Community Services Foundation are excited to announce that the third #BethelGives campaign raised more than $42,000. The campaign, which ended in December 2018, included several associated events and saw a $7,000 increase in funds raised over the 2017 #BethelGives campaign.
Eleven local Bethel groups were represented in the 2018 #BethelGives coalition- Bethel Search and Rescue, Bethel Winter House Shelter, Tundra Women’s Coalition, KYUK, Yuut Elitnaurviat, Future Delta Nurses, Bethel Family Clinic, Bethel Friends of Canines, YK Delta Lifesavers, Bethel Council on the Arts and Kuskokwim Consortium Library (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.
KYUK Development Director, Kristin Hall, explained why she appreciates #BethelGives.
“#BethelGives is an easy way to help support many critical nonprofits and make a big difference within the community. It’s really inspiring to see so many people coming together and contributing toward a common good.”
“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 the important 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, Wells Fargo, ConocoPhillips AK, Donlin Gold LLC, Bethel Native Corporation, GCI, Alaska Commercial Company, Swanson’s Grocery, Malone Insurance Agency, Rural Service Solutions, Arctic Chiropractic & Physical Therapy, Casey’s Carpet, Vitus Energy, Ed’s Auto, Kusko Cab Company, Whitney Home & Energy, VFW Auxiliary, and Brown Slough Bed & Breakfast.
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 2019 campaign as a sponsor or volunteer or would like to look at the Giving Wish Book, please visit www.bethelgives.org or contact Lisa Whalen at [email protected] or 907-545-1855.
