Norfolk Area Big Give

NORFOLK - The Northeast Nebraska community is giving back in a big way with the Norfolk Area Big Give.
For 24 hours on Tuesday, businesses, organizations and residents from around Norfolk came together to show their support to local charities and educate themselves on non-profits in the area.
Through the effort of the Philanthropy Council of Northeast Nebraska and their partners, the groups will have the opportunity to impact the people they serve.
Amy Junk from Mosaic in Norfolk says they are happy to give back to the community.
"We chose SMILE Inc. actually in Madison. We have a lot of people in service that use the therapy program out there and all the cash donations that we receive on our Subway box lunch event is going to S.M.I.L.E. Inc. today." Junk says.
Another group raising money is Faith Regional Health Services. They plan to use the funds for their AED Community Initiative, which will place the lifesaving devices around town.
James Wonnacott is a Chaplain for Faith Regional and is riding a stationary bike as part of the fundraiser. He says the purchase of the AED medical devices are important if an emergency happens.
"Well I think its a great cause, I have an uncle who might have lived to be 50 if there had been an AED nearby." Wonnacott says.
"I think it promotes health in more than one way. Bicycling is a low impact sport so it works for a lot of people who can no longer run."
Groups participating in the event include the Faith Regional Health Services Foundation, The Briggs and Barrett Project, S.M.I.L.E. Inc., Camp Willow and The Zone Afterschool Program.