Second online giving event planned

Last year, when David Kieffer was interviewed about the first FaithfulGive, the board president said that he hoped the online giving event would raise $500,000. "My minimum goal was to do $300,000," recalled Kieffer. "(I thought), 'If we do $500,000, it's a resounding success.'" When all the donations were tallied up at the end of the event, the 2023 FaithfulGive had raised more than $729,000. "That more than met my expectations," said Kieffer.

This year's FaithfulGive will begin on Sunday, Oct. 20, and conclude on Tuesday, Oct. 22. This year, more than 70 local organizations have signed on to take part in the fundraiser, and each day will be designated for certain activities.

"While people can give on Sunday, (Oct. 20), the goal is to lay these organizations before the throne in prayer," explained Kieffer of the opening day. "This year we are calling it Faithful Give Sunday - A Day of Prayer."

Kieffer noted that organizers have put extra effort into the Faithful Give Sunday event this year. "I put more work into meeting with local pastors," said Kieffer. "My prayer is that we would have more churches upholding these ministries on Sunday." Kieffer added that a prayer guide will be available for those who wish to participate.

On Monday, Oct. 21, a breakfast will be held at Westminister Presbyterian Church, 2151 Oregon Pike, Lancaster, beginning at 7:30 a.m. There is no cost to attend the breakfast, but donations will be welcomed. Those who would like to attend the breakfast may register at https://faithfulgive.org.

Last year, a celebratory picnic was held on the last day of the giving event, but this year, FaithfulGive is partnering with Blessings of Hope to hold a Giving Expo. The event will be held on Oct. 22 from 2 to 8 p.m. at the Wyndham Lancaster Resort and Convention Center, 2300 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster.

Prizes for participating organizations will be given out at the Giving Expo. Prize categories are the Engaged Donor prize to benefit smaller organizations; the Show Me the Money prize for the largest unique donation; a prize package from Masterpiece Marketing, which will be awarded based on a written submission; and the Just Keep Swimming award, which will be awarded by the board based on nominations by donors who submit a paragraph about why an organization has demonstrated wisdom, love, and persistent courage in challenging circumstances. Nominations for the Just Keep Swimming award are open at https://faithfulgive.org/prizes/. Kieffer said that sponsorships have fully funded the 2024 prizes. "We have some non-cash prizes just to make it fun for the families (that attend)," said Kieffer.

Kieffer is hoping to build on last year's success. "We really felt God opened people's hearts (last year)," he said, noting that the team worked well to deal with first-year hiccups. "(The team) had such a desire to serve one another and the community," recalled Kieffer. "They worked through obstacles, and it was a pleasure." Looking forward, he would like to top the 2023 event in both funds raised and service to participating ministries. "We are praying for $1 million this year," he said, noting that last year checks were delivered to participants within a short time period. "This year, we promise to get them out for online donations within 30 days and 45 days for paper checks," he stated.

Readers who would like more information about FaithfulGive may visit https://faithfulgive.org.