Ahead of North Texas Giving Day on Thursday, the Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT) and Downtown Dallas Inc. brought together dozens of organizations at Pegasus Plaza on Monday for the ‘Downtown Dallas Day of Giving.’
North Texas Giving Day is CFT’s largest community initiative, supporting more than 3,000 nonprofits across North Texas.
Jennifer Taylor, CFT's chief marketing officer, said the annual campaign gives people an opportunity to support causes that matter to them, regardless of the size of their donation.
“Every dollar counts…over 37,000 people have already donated (since Aug. 27), and we’re hoping that number surpasses 100,000 by the end of Thursday.”
Among the nonprofits participating in the event was the PTSA at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. Jennifer Wheeler Hall, the PTSA president, said donations help fund student scholarships, enrichment opportunities, and major school productions.
“It takes a village,” Wheeler Hall said, adding that the organization relies on donations to continue funding its programs.
Friends of the Dallas Public Library also participated. Casey Whitenack, the organization’s marketing and development communications manager, said donations help support programs including summer reading, cultural programming, and staff development.
“I think a lot of people think libraries are just for books, but there's a lot of interesting programs that go on at the library,” she said. “There's photography classes, there's K-pop events that happen at the library, and funds like this just help bring a community together, not just through reading, but through important educational classes as well.”
Another participating organization, Titas Art Unbound, uses donations to support performances and free educational programs, including master classes, student matinees and discussions. Jessica Malik, the organization’s director of development and education, said donations also help offset rising international travel and visa costs for visiting artists.
SPCA of Texas was another organization highlighted at the event. Sara Godfrey with the nonprofit said donations support fosters, vaccinations, its food pantry, and transportation.
CFT announced a $25,000 matching opportunity for donations made to participating local nonprofits during the Downtown Dallas event.
North Texas Giving Day continues through September 17, allowing donors to support participating nonprofits and causes throughout the region. Those interested in donating can visit here.
North Texas Giving Day runs from August 27 to September 17
North Texas Giving Day runs from August 27 to September 17
