Lexington, KY – Last year the first Bankers’ Challenge associated with the GoodGiving Guide Challenge promised $.50 for each dollar given until the matching fund was exhausted, turning a $30,000 pool into $90,000.
But something different happened, according to GoodGiving Guide Challenge co-founder Chuck Creacy. “The way it worked out last year turned each of the $30,000 for the match into $8.65."
A flood of giving ensured for last year’s challenge, as the total raised for the day climbed to $229,615, plus the $30,000 matching pool.
This year’s edition of the Bankers’ Challenge is slated for Thursday, but Creacy is hoping to add to the pool currently supported by Bank of the Bluegrass & Trust Co, Community Trust Bank, Kentucky Bank, Ohio Valley Financial Group and Traditional Bank.
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"It spreads around for all 155 non-profits, not only in matching money, but the added money that comes in from the excitement and media buzz of the challenge day," said Creacy who’s company Smiley Pete Publishing – parent company of – runs the GoodGiving Guide Challenge with the Blue Grass Community Foundation.
As of noon Tuesday, the GoodGiving Guide Challenge has raised a total of $365,945 with 1,661 individual contributions of $280,445 since launching eight days ago. This year’s total already far surpassed the first year’s total of $205,000 achieved just three years ago and Thursday could surpass the total of the second campaign in 2012 that raised a total of $586,000 if the 2014 Bankers’ Challenge matches the 2013 numbers.
In order for a donation to be eligible for the Bankers’ Challenge match, it must be submitted before the pool is exhausted and be between $10 and $1,000.
Here’s a list of the leaders as of Noon Tuesday, November 11.
Total Money
Child Development Center of the Bluegrass – $14,345
Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence – $13,745
Living Arts and Science Center – $11,934
Providence Montessori School – $11,210
GleanKY|FaithFeeds – $11,177