Empty Stocking Fund pulls in $1.3 million
Drum roll please…and the final tally for the Empty Stocking Fund’s 2009-2010 drive is $1,306,856.49. That smashes the goal of $1 million, and demonstrates that economic woes can spur charity rather than quashing it.
The money goes to 14 health and human services agencies in the Pikes Peak region, giving them an infusion of cash at a time when the demand for their services has skyrocketed.
“I’m very, very thankful and humbled by the response,” said Kristen McGee, development director for Northern Churches Care, which will receive about $29,000.
The $1.3 million total falls just short of last year’s record-setting $1,323,446. The El Pomar Foundation donated $200,000, and the Bruni Foundation chipped in $70,000. The community gave an all-time high of $1,036,856.49, with a major assist from a $230,000 bequest.
“Having a record-breaking year in the midst of continuing economic challenges really speaks to the incredible generosity of our community,” said Amanda Mountain, director of Gazette Charities. “In a year when for many people it was harder to find money to donate, people gave more than ever before in the fund’s 26-year history.”
Organizers of The Gazette-El Pomar Foundation Empty Stocking Fund said in November that they thought the economic conditions could make fundraising difficult this year, as many people’s wallets are already light. Not so.
“The trustees of El Pomar Foundation have always been proud to be associated with the Empty Stocking Fund and that is true this year more than any other,” said Bill Hybl, chairman and CEO of El Pomar Foundation. “When needs were greatest, the Colorado Springs community responded with record donations. We are truly stronger when we come together. The Empty Stocking Fund is a great example of this.”
Some nonprofit professionals said people seem more likely to give when they know their neighbors are hurting.
“People seem to be very attuned to what other people are going through right now,” said Rochelle Schlortt, spokeswoman for Catholic Charities, which will receive about $78,000 from the Empty Stocking Fund. “People are opening their wallets and their hearts, and they’re giving what they can give.
“Not one person is unaffected by the current economic situation. Everyone knows one person who has lost a job or has a home being foreclosed on.
Even people who have never given anything before are starting to give because they know somebody who is affected.”
McGee is seeing the same thing at Northern Churches Care.
“I’m not surprised (by the fund’s success) because I feel like people are really digging deep right now because it’s personal,” she said. “People want to help their neighbors right now.”
