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Nearly 250 Western New York nonprofits set to participate in 'Spring It On'

by jmaloni

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Mon, Mar 17th 2014 11:45 pm

United Way of Buffalo & Erie County hosting second annual 24-hour online fundraising event March 20-21 

Nearly 250 nonprofit organizations are set to participate in the "Spring It On" campaign, the region's only 24-hour online fundraising event, Thursday, March 20 - the first day of spring. The unique one-day fundraiser is created and powered by The United Way of Buffalo & Erie County, and is designed to highlight the significant contributions made by a variety of nonprofits while raising money to help them continue their work.

In its second year, the event has expanded beyond Erie and Niagara counties to include Chautauqua, Allegany and Orleans counties. The program has grown substantially. In 2013, the program's first year, 182 nonprofit organizations in Erie and Niagara participated and raised more than $76,000, mainly through social media channels. "Spring It On" was modeled on successful one-day fundraising events in other communities, including Rochester's "ROC The Day" event. 

"Spring It On" will begin March 20 at 8 a.m. and run until 8 a.m. March 21. The event seeks to mobilize citizens for one day of giving to strengthen and support the community. Individuals can make a one-time, secure, online donation to the local not-for-profit agency of their choice through a specially designed website, www.springiton.org. United Way and participating agencies will encourage supporters to contribute during "Spring It On" through social media messaging, website communication and traditional marketing initiatives.

A new feature this year will be an employer matching application that will allow contributors to search a national database of companies to determine if their employer will match their donation during the contribution process.

Michael Weiner, United Way of Buffalo & Erie County president and CEO, said, " 'Spring It On' creates a focal point for Western New Yorkers to support the organization of their choice through this one-day challenge. We are confident that our community will give generously and demonstrate support for the many nonprofits that do so much for our community. At the same time, 'Spring It On' is a great way for even the smallest nonprofit organizations to extend their reach to new audiences through social media and online communications for relatively little investment. "

"Spring It On" updates will be posted throughout the event on the Facebook and Twitter pages of many of the participating nonprofits, as well as on United Way of Buffalo and Erie County's Facebook page (www.facebook.com/uwbec) and Twitter account (@uwbec) via #SpringItOn2014. For more information, visit www.springiton.org.

The United Way of Buffalo & Erie County brings people, organizations and resources together to improve community well-being. Through program funding, community collaborations and strategic initiatives in the areas of education, income and health and wellness, United Way strives to help children reach their full potential, adults and families achieve financial stability, and people of all ages achieve and maintain physical, social and emotional health. For more information, visit www.uwbec.org.

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