GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – Give Big Green Bay is returning for it’s fifth iteration this year.
“We’re a community owned team, community-based, and that’s really at our core. We’ve been giving back and supporting the community that has supported us for over 100 years, and we really take that responsibility seriously,” said Green Bay Packers President and CEO, Mark Murphy.
The annual giving event will run from noon on February 23rd to noon on February 24th to support 45 non-profits in the Brown County area. 17 of those are brand new to any Give Big Green Bay program.
“This year alone we received over 100 applications, representing nearly every facet of work across the community. Nonprofits announced today really range broadly across 11 distinct fields of interest,” said Greater Green Bay Community Foundation President and CEO, Dennis Buehler. “There’s just so much important work that’s happening and impacting those who live right here in Brown County. It really is always exciting for us to share these stories…From small neighborhood-based or emerging groups such as Foster the Village, We All Rise – African American Resource Center, or Hope and Olive – to well-established Brown County programs like Casa Alba Melanie, the Jackie Nitschke Center, YWCA.”
“Last year alone, which is really amazing, right in the middle of the pandemic, we raised over $2 million. I think that really speaks well to the kind of support that we have in our community,” Murphy said. “But also it’s a great opportunity to provide much needed publicity and bring attention to the great things that our non profits in the area are doing, and really shine a light on some lesser known programs. That’s been real positive result of this.”
A combined total of more than $5.5 million has been raised through Give BIG Green Bay in its first four years. Over $300,000 of matching funds are being made available this year, including a $250,000 impact grant from the Packers Foundation.
More than 42% of donors self-reported as first-time donors for the non-profits they supported.
“We invite everyone, no matter where you live. We’ve got people all over the country, all over the world contributing and making donations. That really speaks well to the kind of fan base that we have, really worldwide,” Murphy said.
“Donors a come from as many as 38 to 40 states across the nation, and I believe it was 2 years ago that we finally received our first international gifts as well…So many people believe this is home and want to continue to contribute here. To see such a far reach across the country and internationally really is remarkable,” Buehler added. “Give Big Green Bay really has, and hopefully will continue to be a shining example of how we all can come together and even make a greater impact…I really do think this is an extraordinary testament to the spirit, heart, and commitment by so many people who care deeply about this community.”
Buehler says they’re still on a week-by-week basis on deciding whether the event will invite non-profits and media outlets to mingle in-person at Lambeau Field once again during the event. Many non-profits also host tours of their facilities on the giving day, to show people what they are supporting.
