by Jennifer Antonik
MILFORD — The United Way of Delaware and its partners hope to take selfies and fundraising to a whole new level in June with the help of the Do More 24 campaign.
The fundraising campaign new to the state will help Delaware organizations move along with the changing philanthropic landscape, according to Debbie Armstrong of United Way.
“And the exciting thing is that this is not just United Way fundraiser,” she said of the collaborative effort with the Delaware Community Foundation, Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement, Association of Fundraising Professionals’ Brandywine Chapter and Delaware Grantmakers Association.
The goal, she continued, is to engage at least 250 not-for-profit organizations in the attempt at raising a collective $500,000 on June 2 from 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Every 501(3)c organization in Delaware is eligible to participate, like Delaware Hospice which hosted the downstate campaign launch Thursday night at its Milford location.
“We’re excited to have this event here. We’re one of the recipients of fundraising money so we’re working to generate excitement and funds. We’re following their lead, but will also put information in our newsletters, on Facebook and other marketing outlets,” Jennifer Saienni, Public Relations Specialist at Delaware Hospice, said.
The campaign doesn’t stop just at fundraising, however.
Organizers behind the Do More 24 campaign also recognize that many groups in the area haven’t yet caught up with the times and might need a step up to help make the campaign a success.
Rev. John Moore Sr., vice president of the United Way of Delaware, said the group of partners will make social media trainings available to organizations opting to take part in the campaign since everything will occur online.
“It’s about us working together. I need you and you need me. And even more powerful is that the community needs us,” he said.
Donors even have the chance to win a 2016 Kia Seoul if giving a gift of $48 or more during the campaign hours.
The group is also hoping to offer incentives for the person who posts a selfie with a tag of #DoMore24De and the most likes, shares or “hearts, not the angry faces,” according to Randle Reed of the campaign marketing team.
“This could be really huge for the organizations in our areas. We’re just really excited to be a part of it and hope we can help others any way we can. It really takes a community,” Sussex County Health Coalition Executive Director Peggy Geisler said at the event.
Mr. Moore shared her thoughts.
“We realize we cannot do this by ourselves. We all have to work together,” he said. “This is a community movement. This is our way to work together and overcome some challenges.”
Non-profit organizations must register online by April 30 to participate.