Jamestown region raises more than $900,000 on Giving Hearts Day

JAMESTOWN — Nonprofits in the Jamestown region raised more than $900,000 in one day.

Giving Hearts Day is a 24-hour fundraising event held in North Dakota and northwest Minnesota. This year, 550 charities and 40,000 donors raised more than $26 million. Twenty Jamestown area nonprofits work together each year to maximize regional Giving Hearts Day results.

“The community and its generosity amaze me,” said Mindi Schmitz, executive director of The Arts Center.

Giving Hearts Day donations to The Arts Center supported the nonprofit’s Arts After School scholarships.

Another nonprofit, A Moment of Freedom, raised $12,745 for a shipping container used to store saddles, saddle pads and blankets for riders. A Moment of Freedom facilitates physical and emotional restorative therapies to individuals with special needs. Gate City Bank selected A Moment of Freedom as one of its recipients of a special $5,000 gift.

“We are grateful,” said Annie Keffeler, president and founder. “This was a great opportunity for a small organization like ours.”

Jamestown Regional Medical Center raised $109,000, thanks to 376 donors, said Foundation Director Lisa Jackson.

“Because of donor support, JRMC can purchase a new defibrillator for the emergency department as well as vein lights for lab and surgery,' Jackson said. "These gifts will help care for our region during emergencies, cancer journeys, infant loss, end-of-life
care and more.”

St. John’s Academy raised $85,966, surpassing its goal of $70,000. Funds raised help keep tuition affordable and to sustain the annual budget, said Sarah Sankey, executive assistant for mission advancement and marketing.

“We feel a great responsibility to use these gifts to focus on our mission of providing quality, Christ-centered education to the community,” she said.

SMP Health – Ave Maria will use the $30,000 it raised to replace equipment in the therapy department, said Annie Hancock, development director.

“We want everyone who uses our therapy programs to have the best experience possible,” she said.

New to Giving Hearts Day this year was Jamestown Parks and Recreation District. The group raised $17,909, exceeding its goal, said Amy Walters, executive director.

“We are grateful to the community that continues to give back to our organization allowing JPRD to provide access to all community members to quality recreational opportunities,” she said.

President of Jamestown Dollars for Scholars DeAnn Ament said the group raised $9,650 for graduating Jamestown Public School seniors.

“Thank you for the support from the Jamestown community and alumni near and far!” she said.

Final giving tallies are expected later this month. Learn more about Giving Hearts Day at givingheartsday.org .