The Amazing Raise, A 36-hour giving marathon for Central Virginia’s nonprofits, kicks off Wednesday morning at 6 a.m. and runs through 6 p.m. on Thursday. Here is a little of what Cullather Brain Tumor Quality of Life Center has planned:

Cullather Center patient Drew Yanishak

“The Amazing Raise gives a leg up to less well-known nonprofits and helps empowers individuals to make a difference by making it so easy to give through online tools and making them feel a part of something much bigger than themselves and their donation.”

What are you most excited about this year?

• It has been wonderful telling the story of the Cullather Brain Tumor Quality of Life Center, which is supported by the Bon Secours Health Care Foundation and St. Mary’s Hospital, to get new donors and supporters who may not have been aware of us.   
• We are focused on being one of the 15 nonprofits to get 50 unique donations at 6 a.m. on September 18 – this clear call to action has our supporters planning to get up early and give!
• We are holding a “Click and Clink for Cullather” party with a cash bar at Azzurro, which is a favorite of founder Jack Cullather, from 4-6 p.m. on September 19 as a great way to applaud our volunteers, donors, and patients and their families. 

How are you staying creative and competitive?

This year, we are using donated gift cards from area businesses as incentives to give during key times such as 6 a.m. for the Early Bird Challenge. We’re also making the most of social media, email blasts, blogs, phone calls, and more to tell the stories of those we serve. Imagine receiving a brain tumor diagnosis. Whole families are changed because a brain tumor doesn’t just affect a person physically – the entire mind and body are affected.

What does the Amazing Raise mean to you?

A rising tide raises all ships! This 36-hour online giving blitz helps the entire community. Everyone will be giving to amazing nonprofits that help make our community a better place to live. The publicity surrounding the raise, the spirit of collaboration, civic pride, and giving are great ways to bring the region together for one cause – helping area nonprofits provide critical services to the community.

More Amazing Raise Activities in Richmond:

Art on Wheels is hosting an Amazing Raise kick off event — RVA Street Art Festival After Party at Selba, featuring a walk through of the Street Art Festival, culminating in a trip to the old GRTC Bus Depot across the street to get a close up look at their mural created by nine local artists and hundreds of community members.

Better Housing Coalition is soaked with excitement – and as an added incentive to donors – they’ll be raffling off “The Moby,” a top-of-the-line “amazing” rain barrel to all donors. In addition, 3HC, their Junior Board, is hosting an Amazing Raise Happy Hour on September 18 from 5-8 p.m. at The Old City Bar.

Have an activity or event you’re hosting for the Amazing Raise? Share below and be sure to include it in ConnectVA’s Community Calendar.