More than 125 nonprofit organizations across Chautauqua County came together Thursday, June 12th for the annual Give Big CHQ fundraiser — a 24-hour online giving event aimed at raising money and awareness for local causes.
 
Hosted by the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, the event has been held every year since 2018. In that time, it has raised over two million dollars to support local nonprofits.
 
"We are incredibly blessed to have countless nonprofit organizations who do amazing things in our community," stated Liz Jones, Community Impact Officer, Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. "So, this is one day that we can set aside 24 hours to celebrate those organizations and support their efforts." 
 
Among the participating organizations was the St. Susan Center in Jamestown, which relies on donations to provide meals for those in need.
 
"Give Big CHQ helps keep these doors open," Melissa Paterniti, Give Big CHQ Campaign Chairperson for St. Susan Center said. "The money raised today helps our mission to feed and support people - body and soul. I'm just really excited to be a part of this and am looking forward to seeing how much people donate, how many people give, and just to see the community come together - because there are so many wonderful organizations here in the county."
 
Other nonprofits echoed the value of the event not just in dollars, but in awareness.
 
"Everything we do, we offer free to the public, so we really sustain our work through philanthropic endeavors," stated Kristan McMahon, President, Robert H. Jackson Center. "But this year for Give Big CHQ, we are focusing on our internship program and really using it as an opportunity to introduce our interns to the community."
 
"This is my hometown, and I actually received a scholarship for school before I became an intern," explained Anna Torres-Carvella, Robert H Jackson Center intern. "So, to be able to see the community come out and support this organization - it's a really great thing and a wonderful feeling to be a part of it."
 
"As an international intern - it's been very interesting to see so many people in the community support all of the non-profits in this big way," added Mark Zhang.
 
At the Audubon Community Nature Center, which has participated in Give Big CHQ since 2018, the support is deeply appreciated.
 
"There is so much great work happening in our community, and we are excited to be a part of it all," said Leigh Rovegno, Audubon Community Nature Center Director. "It's such a wonderful and impactful day of giving." 

As of 10:00PM, more than $335,000.00 had been raised by over 2,000 donors, with totals still climbing.
 
For more information on Give Big CHQ, visit here.