After Erie Gives Day set a new record of $3.4 million donated, the charities on top are thanking their donors for the support.
For the second year, Shriners Hospital for Children has taken second place when it comes to the amount donated with nearly $224,000.
Foundation for Free Enterprise Education/Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week received $321,844.
What is the secret to their success?
For Shriners, it’s at least a six-month long strategic plan to reach out to potential donors and to attract new donors to give on this particular day.
“Those individuals who embrace online giving, they utilize social media,” said public relations manger Greg Hall. “So we put a big push on our social media accounts to grow that as well as continuing to educate our donors that this is a great day to give.”
The money will go into Shriners general operating fund to help continue to provide the services to families with children in need regardless of their ability to pay.