This year, May 4 won’t just be a big day for Star Wars fans, but it’s also an important day for hundreds of non-profits in the Sacramento region. The annual Big Day of Giving – coordinated by the Sacramento Region Community Foundation and sponsored by Republic FC’s Indomitable Partner Western Health Advantage – is a 24-hour give-a-thon that encourages local donors to support causes that matter to them and their loved ones.
Since the first local giving day that launched in 2013, more than 60,000 donors have helped hundreds of nonprofits in El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, and Yolo countries raise $78 million through the region-wide, community-driven effort. In 2022, 718 organizations generated a record $13.4 million in a single day.
To honor Mental Health Month and support Republic FC’s club’s commitment to bringing awareness to suicide and mental health concerns, the club is encouraging fans and community members to support WellSpace Health’s campaign to support its 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline call center – the largest one in Northern California. Donations will be used to cover operating costs for this invaluable resource – in 2022 alone, WellSpace responded to more than 100,000 calls, texts, and chats from individuals in crisis.
The majority of individual donations are between $15 and $50, demonstrating that no matter the size of the contribution, the community can make a big difference when it gives together.
“If there has ever been a day where you are sitting around wondering if you should make a donation, of any size, to one of the nonprofits in the greater Sacramento area…this is that day,” said Republic FC Vice President of Community Investment Scott Moak. “Big Day of Giving represents so much to donors, but even more to the nonprofits who rely on this day to expand their services, help more people, and come up with more solutions to issues in our communities.”
To help multiply the impact of individual gifts, dozens of local companies and philanthropists provide additional donations through prizes and match programs. This year, Republic FC is sponsoring the “916 Prize.” At 9:16 a.m. and 9:16 p.m., two non-profits will be randomly selected to receive a $500 prize (on top of any funds raised throughout the day).
