'Go Big Give' unites Grand Island for annual day of giving

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. - More than 100 local non-profits from several Central Nebraska cities are coming together to help strengthen their communities.

"Go Big Give" is in its 12th year, uniting the Greater Grand Island area in a 24-hour giving event supporting non-profits across Hall, Hamilton, Howard, and Merrick counties.

Spearheaded by the Heartland United Way and Greater Grand Island Community Foundation, the initiative helps 167 local non-profits raise funds in order to support programs ranging from food security to housing to animal rescue and more.

That's the most participants the event has ever had.

"That growth in our community, as new needs come about, new challenges arise, we have solutions or we have ways to make our community stronger, so that growth in itself is awesome," said Heartland United Way Director of Development Karly Behrendt.

The event not only boosts financial support, but also increases awareness for volunteer engagement for both new and established organizations alike.

Go Big officials say this year's goal is to raise over $1.5 million, with sponsors helping make the funds go even further than usual.

"That's the fun part of participating as an organization, is you may have just made a random donation and it's going to grow because of the sponsors that have helped us with prizes and those match pool funds. And so when you see those things come around, you're like, oh wow, I was able to give even added money thanks to the sponsors," said Behrendt. 

And in addition to the fundraising, organizers say the annual event is about building a stronger, more connected region, one gift at a time.