On February 2, 2012 the Alabama Association of Nonprofits, in partnership with the Alabama Broadcasters Association, is taking one day to harness the power of individual contributions statewide. Never before in our state have Alabamians had the opportunity to come together in such a unique and synergized way to support hundreds of nonprofits like ours during a dedicated day of giving.

Alabama Gives Day is supported by the Razoo Foundation, the Alabama Press Association, Alabama Giving, Intermark Group and hundreds of nonprofits in our state. Alabama Gives Day aims to make history by connecting new and existing donors with hundreds of Alabama nonprofits in just 24 hours. The Foundation for Marshall Medical Centers and other non-profits in Marshall Countyneed your support to ensure that the citizens of our community are aware of this day of giving. Only through your support can we together make history and raise much needed funding to support numerous nonprofits located in our community!

The History of the Gives Day Movement: The Gives Day movement began three years ago in Minnesota as a means to increase philanthropy and help grow the individual donor base of nonprofits. In 2011, Minnesota’s Give to the Max day saw 47,538 donations totaling $13.4 million. Colorado Gives Day recently had 52,000 donations totaling $12 million. Residents in other communities that have organized a Gives Day have overwhelmingly shown their support through donations, and while the immediate benefit is huge, the ripple effects of giving have helped spur other philanthropic endeavors in those communities. According to organizers in Minnesota, Colorado, North Texas, Pittsburgh, Seattle and other communities with a Gives Day, a key ingredient to their success has been through the support of the local media. “Rarely do local TV, Radio and Newspaper groups have an opportunity to make such a large impact on behalf of dozens of nonprofits in their local communities in just one day,” said Russell A. Jackson, Gives Day Manager for Alabama. “Gives Day certainly makes for an interesting news story but it’s more than that. This is a day to help fuel the nonprofits that make our state such a great place to live and to help jumpstart their 2012.”

How does Alabama Gives Day work? On February 2^nd, from midnight to 11:59pm, Alabamians will be driven to a dedicated online giving portal at www.alabamagivesday.org where they will choose to make a gift to one or more of the hundreds of participating nonprofits. “Donors can choose the nonprofit(s) they want to support from a list of 12 areas of interest, i.e. Children and Youth, Animals, Health, Environment, etc.,” said Jackson. “It’s all about connecting them to the missions they are most passionate about, and hopefully to a nonprofit they’ve never supported.”

“This is a unique opportunity for the Foundation for Marshall Medical Centers and all other non-profit groups in Marshall County,” says Andrea Oliver, director of the Foundation for Marshall Medical Centers. “Never before has an event of this magnitude taken place in our state and we are hopeful to see great feedback and participation from our already engaged community.”

One aspect of a healthy community is a strong healthcare system - one that provides excellent care in a caring environment. That takes a lot of resources working together. The Foundation for Marshall Medical Centers facilitates that process in many ways, supporting people and programs that make a difference. Through local fundraising efforts, the Foundation plays an important role in helping your community owned not-for-profit hospital meet capital needs, provide financial assistance for mammography patients at Marshall Medical Centers and provide scholarship programs to promote higher healthcare education.

When you make a gift to the Foundation for Marshall Medical Centers on Alabama Gives Day, you can be confident of helping your neighbors right here at home. There are many ways to support this important effort and no matter what form your donation takes, it's an investment strategy with a healthy return. On February 2, you may give to the Foundation for Marshall Medical Centers by visiting www.alabamagivesday.org and searching by zip code (35976) or by texting CHANGE MARSHALL to 84465 to give $10.* Any gift is a gift that will improve the health and well-being of our community. Join us on February 2, 2012 to make Alabama Gives Day a success!

*$10.00 donation to Alabama Gives Day. Charges will appear on your wireless bill, or be deducted from your prepaid balance. All purchases must be authorized by account holder. Must be 18 years of age or have parental permission to participate. Message and Data Rates May Apply. Text STOP to 84465 to STOP. Text HELP to 84465 for HELP.Full Terms: mGive.org/T. Privacy Policy.