In 24 Hours, Giving Challenge Raises More Than $16.7 Million

Jasmin Graham, the president and CEO of Minorities in Shark Sciences, said that after heading to The Bay park for last year's Giving Challenge, she was eager for the organization to return.

"There's a lot of people that aren't normally very active in philanthropy that are activated during the Giving Challenge, so it's a really great time to connect with new donors," she said.

She said the event was a chance to hear others' stories about sharks while dispelling myths about the animals, connecting with people looking to become involved in the organization's programs, and sharing its mission of broadening participation in the marine sciences.

The Pop-up Giving Station at The Bay, held on April 15, highlighted 19 local nonprofits, allowing the public to engage with the organizations and make donations.

The pop-up was part of the 24-hour Giving Challenge event, held from noon to noon on April 15-16 by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. The biennial event raised more than $16.7 million, with over 50,000 donors making nearly 88,000 gifts to a record 751 nonprofits in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties.

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