In just 24 hours Cattaraugus Gives raised $110,996 for nonprofits in the Cattaraugus region, tripling the final results of the 2018 program.
The Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation led efforts to organize local nonprofits 
to raise funds in friendly competition and provided the online giving platform as well as support, training and some of the prize money.
Held on Giving Tuesday, Dec. 3, 70 participating nonprofits together raised $110,996, representing donations from 841 gracious donors throughout the community, including $12,000 in sponsorships from local businesses, individuals and CRCF.
“Yesterday was a phenomenal day - like Christmas coming early,” said CRCF Executive Director Karen Niemic Buchheit of the program’s success. “The community support was nothing short of amazing. There are so many thanks to express - especially to all the nonprofits who came together to rally supporters and to our prize sponsors who provided such great incentives.”
The following 20 organizations won prizes based on their participation and the number of donors giving during specific hours or overall:
- Cutco Corporation Overall Most Donors Top Prize - $2,000
- Olean City School District Foundation
- CRCF Overall Most Donors Prize (2nd Place) - $1,000
- Empire Animal Rescue Society
- Eager Beaver Prize (sponsored by CRCF) - $500
- Pfeiffer Nature Center & Foundation Inc.
- Early Bird from Bluebird Square Golden Ticket Prize (sponsored by Park Centre Development Inc.) - $250
- Tri-County Arts Council
- Breakfast Hour Golden Ticket Prize (sponsored by Hedley Brook Insurance) - $250
- Canticle Farm
- Community Bank's Bank is Open Prize - $500
- Olean City School District Foundation
- CRCF’s 25 Year of Growing Good Anniversary Hour Prize - $500
- YMCA of the Twin Tiers
- Buffamante Whipple Buttafaro P.C. Morning Golden Ticket Prize - $250
- Dr. Lyle F. Renodin Foundation
- Lunch Meeting Hour Prize (sponsored by the Cornell-Pleakis Group at Morgan Stanley) - $500
- Allegany Public Library
- Both, Branch & Hendrix Noon Whistle Prize - $500
- Marjorie and Robert Schaumleffel Rotary Scholarship
- Early Afternoon Golden Ticket Prize (sponsored by Dolores Anstaett) - $250
- Olean Theatre Workshop
- CRCF’s The Responsive Hour Prize - $500
- Southern Tier Health Care System
- Howard Hanna Realty Homeward Bound Golden Ticket Prize - $250
- Citizens Advocating Memorial Preservation (CAMP)
- Olean Area Federal Credit Union After Work Drive-Through Hour Prize - $500
- SPCA of Cattaraugus County
- Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce’s Golden Ticket Prize - $250
- Ellicottville Skatepark
- Both, Branch & Hendrix Prime Time Prize - $500
- SPCA of Cattaraugus County
- Seneca Resorts & Casinos High Roller Hour Prize - $500
- The Pink Pumpkin Project
- CRCF’s Trusted Donor Hour Golden Ticket Prize - $250
- HomeCare & Hospice Foundation
- It's Getting Late Golden Ticket Prize (sponsored by James Bardenett) - $250
- African American Center for Cultural Development
- CRCF’s Big Donor Prize for the most overall donors of $100 or more – First place $1,000, Second Place $500
- First place – YMCA of the Twin Tiers
- Second place – Empire Animal Rescue Society
- CRCF Pre-Day Drawing Prizes - $250 each
- Joyful Rescues
- Veggie Wheels
In addition three nonprofits were recognized for their outstanding social media promotions for Cattaraugus Gives and their own organization.
- CRCF’s Social Media Champion Prize - $250, honorable mention $100
- Winner – Empire Animal Rescue Society
- Honorable Mention – Lounsbury Adaptive Ski Program
- Honorable Mention – Olean Theatre Workshop
A full list of prizes and winners, including descriptions is available at cattaraugusgives.org/prizes.
A number of organizations staged particularly notable campaigns during Cattaraugus Gives, according to Kirk Windus, CRCF communications and fund development, who provided training and support for participating nonprofits.
The YMCA of the Twin Tiers garnered $30,024 to meet their goal of raising funds to provide 100 free memberships to disadvantaged youth in the community. Their total, which was the highest dollar amount of any nonprofit in the competition, included a $15,000 matching gift from a private donor.
The Pink Pumpkin Project raised $22,140 throughout the day. Empire Animal Rescue Society raised $9,460 and the Olean City School District Foundation raised $5,713.
“That list only covers a few of the incredible accomplishments of the participating nonprofits,” Buchheit said. “What makes this even more impressive is that three of the organizations that raised the greatest amount of money are entirely volunteer organizations with no paid staff.
“It is hard to begin to put in words the power of injecting over $100,000 into the life of all these nonprofits,” Buchheit continued. “The funds will help all of them to continue their missions and provide specific programs and services that enhance the vitality of our region and the lives of our local residents.”
Sharon Myers, CRCF marketing and donor development committee chair, put it most succinctly and poetically.
“Almost $111,000 raised for our community nonprofits?” she said, “Now that is Growing Good.”
For 25 years, the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation has been the area’s supportive, responsive and trusted community foundation. Established in 1994, CRCF is growing good by connecting donors to the causes they care about most in the region. Grants from the foundation support many areas, including education, scholarships, health care, the arts, community development, human service, and youth development. To learn more, call (716) 301-CRCF (2723), email [email protected], or visit online at www.cattfoundation.org. CRCF is also on Facebook (facebook.com/cattfoundation) and Twitter (@CattFoundation).
