Erie Community Foundation welcomes the community to celebrate Erie Gives at the Erie Insurance Courtyard

For one day each year, the second Tuesday in August, thousands of people come together for Erie Gives, a 24-hour online day of giving to favorite nonprofits. Every gift, regardless of size, helps strengthen local nonprofits and the communities they serve.

This year, The Erie Community Foundation is inviting the public to experience that generosity together.  Community members are welcome to the Erie Gives Celebration, a community event hosted by the Foundation at the Erie Insurance Courtyard, 100 Erie Insurance Place, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 11.

“Erie Gives has always been about bringing our community together through generosity,” said Karen Bilowith, president & CEO, The Erie Community Foundation. “Because The Erie Community Foundation’s campus is currently undergoing renovations, we didn’t want to miss the opportunity to celebrate this special day with our community. Our neighbors, Erie Insurance offered their courtyard for our celebration.  We invite everyone to join us as we celebrate the collective generosity that makes Erie such a remarkable place.”

The 16^th Annual Erie Gives Celebration will be hosted by The Erie Community Foundation at the Erie Insurance Courtyard on 6^th Street between French and Holland with the following opportunities for the community to come and….:

• Enjoy live performances by the North Coast Brass Band, the Erie High Marching Band, and Erie High and McDowell Cheerleaders!
• Treat yourself to lunch at one of the five local food trucks, where a portion of the proceeds will benefit Erie Gives nonprofits.
• Snap a selfie with some of Erie’s favorite local mascots.
• Learn more about the causes that matter to you at the Nonprofit Discovery District on 6^th Street, where over 100 nonprofits will showcase their work.
• Catch the latest Erie Gives totals from emcee DJ Bill Page as he keeps the celebration energized with music.
• Participate in fun, interactive experiences, including the Erie Gives Map of Giving and a passport to meet the nonprofits.
• Celebrate the festive community atmosphere at the 16^th Annual Erie Gives with your friends, family, and neighbors!
• Finally, remember to give where you live by making your gift at ErieGives.org, anytime from midnight to midnight.  Ready. Set. Give!

“Erie Gives is one of the most inspiring days of the year because it reminds us that every gift, no matter the size, becomes part of something much bigger, which is the power of collective giving,” said Erin D. Fessler, vice president of External Relations. “Erie Gives is a community spirited day like no other.  The annual day of giving has inspired thousands of donors to support hundreds of local nonprofits, raising over $77.7 million over the past 15 years.”

The 16^th Annual Erie Gives will take place online at ErieGives.org from midnight to midnight on Tuesday, August 11. Donors may make gifts online throughout the day or by calling 814.454.0843 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Foundation staff and volunteers will be available to assist donors. Gifts made during Erie Gives help participating nonprofits continue their important work while qualifying for a share of the Erie Gives Bonus Bucks pool. This year’s Bonus Bucks pro-rated match pool is up to $637,424, which is the highest ever! In addition, the communities of North East ($30K), Corry ($25K), Union City ($15K) and Findley Lake ($5K) are adding additional contributions to nonprofits in their communities as part of the Bonus Bucks pool.

“During the lunchtime celebration at the Erie Insurance Courtyard, we hope community members meet local nonprofits, enjoy lunch and simply celebrate the generosity that defines our region,” added Fessler.  For more information, visit ErieGives.org, and follow on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.  Thank you to our Bonus Bucks Partners:

NONPROFIT CELEBRATIONS THROUGHOUT THE DAY!