More than 12,000 philanthropists made Miami history for the second annual Give Miami Day, donating $3.26 million dollars to Miami nonprofits through the Miami Foundation. The 24-hour online initiative, held on Nov. 20, 2013, seeks to foster a spirit of philanthropy in Miami. It raised $2 million more than last year. More than 400 Miami nonprofit organizations participated in the event.
It has been an amazing day. Thank you for giving us this $3.2 million Miami Moment and so many more. #GiveMiamiDay pic.twitter.com/K0TBWXlBJB
— The Miami Foundation (@MiamiFoundation) November 21, 2013
Less than $4,000 away from reaching its goal, Give Miami Day surpassed its $3 million mark at 11:54 p.m., with just a few minutes to spare before the midnight deadline.
Our city is behind us! Thanks to the iconic Miami Tower & Freedom Tower for celebrating #GiveMiamiDay. #philanthropy pic.twitter.com/7YvHMxK8lo — The Miami Foundation (@MiamiFoundation) November 21, 2013
#GIVEMIAMIDAY @MiamiFoundation Who needs Powerball when we have each other. Remember this day 11.20.13. Until, 2014. #ForAGreaterMiami — Marlon A. Hill (@MarlonAHill) November 21, 2013
I am a proud Miamian after the last 24 hrs. Truly evident of a community coming together to support each other and our futures #GiveMiamiDay
— Jorge Luis Lopez (@lopezgovlaw) November 21, 2013
Twitter and Facebook buzzed with activity all day as South Florida residents and nonprofit organizations prodded their fellow Miamians and friends for online donations, starting at $25.
The fight for #equality won’t pay for itself. #GiveMiamiDay @MiamiFoundation http://t.co/SLYpjOwkF3 http://t.co/6s2NV4lHzN #LGBT #gay — SAVE Dade (@SAVEDade) November 20, 2013
Donors could give to a specific nonprofit organization registered with The Miami Foundation or direct their funds to the incentive pool. Within the first hour, Give Miami Day had raised nearly $80,000. By 9 a.m. it had netted more than $500,000 — nearly half of the previous year’s total. Much to the delight of The Miami Foundation organizers, the momentum continued well into the night.
The Greater Miami Jewish Federation earned the largest amount of direct donations, totaling $207,362, while the Children’s Movement of Florida had the most unique donors, with 397 eligible gifts.
Have you questioned the power of social media and why Twitter is important? $3.2 million raised for #GiveMiamiDay. #EnoughSaid — Nathalie Almonte (@AlmonteNathalie) November 21, 2013
Seventeen organizations also won extra prizes of $1,000 to $2,500, sponsored by the Miami Marlins Foundation. The prizes were based on a number of random factors. For example:
- Alliance for GLBTQ Youth won the $2,500 Stearns Weaver Prize for having the donation that surpassed the $3 million goal.
- Overtown Music Project won $1,500 for earning the 305th gift, in honor of Miami’s area code.
- Thomas Armour Youth Ballet won $1,000 for getting the most unique donations during rush hour, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
- Prizes were also given to organizations with the farthest donor and the most #GiveMiamiDay tweets, among others.
For more information on The Miami Foundation and its community partners, visit their website.