A day to donate: Connect to a Cause makes it easy to give to local agencies

ELYRIA — It's time to help. Local nonprofits are gearing up for one of the biggest fundraisers of the year — the Community Foundation of Lorain County 6th annual Connect to a Cause event. The charitable day of giving takes place from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday with residents around the county doing their part to support the agencies that support Lorain County. As the day grows closer, so does the excitement. "It's very uplifting for all of us in the office," said Cynthia Andrews, president and CEO of the Community Foundation. "We had a team meeting at 8:30 this morning and there were a dozen people sitting around the board room with T-shirts and boxes all for Thursday. It's just high energy. We are celebrating the work of all of these nonprofits." More than 100 local nonprofits are involved in the day from organizations that promote the arts and culture, education, youth development, health and human services and more. The best part is that donations go directly to the agencies donors choose like the Amherst Historical Society, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lorain County, El Centro De Servicios Sociales, Elyria Arts Council, Friendship Animal Protective League, LGBTQ+ Lorain County, Save Our Children and many more. Since its inception in 2020, Connect to a Cause has raised nearly $1.5 million for local nonprofits, taking in almost $390,000 last year alone. "It would be great to get to $400,000 this year," Andrews said. "It would be great to exceed that goal. We hope to showcase to the community the people who care about people — no matter if it's a $5, $500 or $5,000 donation." Throughout the day, events will be held around the county with Andrews and staff making appearances at some of the participating agencies. "We really do hit a high point during the day, but there are events right up until the end," Andrews said. "We will have food trucks at different hours, ice cream sandwiches and a raffle at 7 p.m. for a Taylor Swift-like diamond from Jim Vandemark of Vandemark Jewelers. Each hour is different." A fashion show will take place starting at 6 p.m. at The Mermaid's Tale in Amherst. A portion of the proceeds from the shop on Wednesday and Thursday also will be donated to Connect to a Cause. Participating in the 12-hour online and in person campaign is simple. Donors are able to make a contribution online at www.peoplewhocare.org; mail or drop off a check to the Community Foundation at 9080 Leavitt Road, Elyria, Ohio 44035; or make a donation by phone at (440) 984-7390. A minimum donation of $5 is required. All donations must be made between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Thursday. Mailed donations must be postmarked by 8 p.m. Thursday. Those who donate online will receive an automated thank you message with a tax receipt. To build excitement for the day and, hopefully, increase donations, participants are encouraged to share information about the event on social media, such as Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn with #C2CLorainCounty. A preliminary total of the money raised will be announced early next week with a final tally expected in early October. Contact Christina Jolliffe at ctnews@chroniclet.com.