The First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania (FCFP) is excited to announce Raise the Region 2019, an event to help the communities of Columbia, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, and Union Counties support local nonprofit organizations fundraising efforts. FCFP, in partnership with Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships, will be launching a 30-hour fundraising event starting on Wednesday, March 13, 2019.

Nonprofit participation in Raise the Region is available to 501c3 organizations serving residents in Columbia, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, or Union Counties. Preregistration is required by Thursday, February 28, 2019. For nonprofits interested in registering for this event and a complete set of rules, please visit http://www.RaiseTheRegion.org.

“This is the seventh year for the fundraiser supported by FCFP and Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships. We are excited to host this regional event that aligns closely with the mission of the Foundation and the work of our grantmaking and fundraising efforts,” said Jason McCahan, Director of Strategic Philanthropy.

Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships has generously donated $150,000 that will be used to stretch every donation made to preregistered nonprofits. Additional monetary prizes and incentives sponsored by Larson Design Group, Subaru, Toyota Motor Corporation, and UPMC will be awarded to participating nonprofits throughout the entire event. This program is designed to help kickoff the 2019 fundraising efforts of local nonprofits through the generosity of our sponsors and the community at large.

“The Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships are proud to be a part of this regional fundraiser for the seventh year. Raise the Region gives us the opportunity to support a variety of local nonprofits by providing an extra percentage on each gift,” said Aubrey Alexander.

In 2018, north central Pennsylvania showed its true spirit of philanthropy by donating $1,457,895 to over 314 nonprofits. Raise the Region had thousands of donors make over 9,002 gifts. Since starting in 2013, Raise the Region has collectively received $7.2 million in donations for the benefit of local nonprofit organizations.

“Raise the Region provides FCFP the opportunity to show the benefits of working as a regional community foundation focused on strengthening area nonprofits through collaboration and leadership. Raising awareness for the many great nonprofits across the region and increasing the sense of community among donors across county lines are our primary goals,” said McCahan.

On Wednesday, March 13th at 6:00 PM through 11:59 PM on Thursday, March 14th the public is encouraged to visit http://www.RaiseTheRegion.org and select participating nonprofits to support and your gift will be stretched by the matching contribution from Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships. Your donation(s) can also help raise additional support for the nonprofits selected by qualifying them for monetary prizes. All gifts are tax deductible and will help make your favorite nonprofits mission possible.

The Foundation works to improve the quality of life in north central Pennsylvania through community leadership, the promotion of philanthropy, the strengthening of nonprofit impact and the perpetual stewardship of charitable assets.

For more information on the programs and services offered by the Community Foundation, or to learn more about ways to make a difference in your community, contact the Community Foundation office at 570-321-1500.