This story originally appeared in the Fall 2020 Thriving Magazine and was written by Aaron Spangler, Communications Manager at the Lancaster County Community Foundation. Read the entire Thriving Magazine online here.

On November 20, our community will be transformed once again into a single day celebration of generosity, hope, and local spirit unmatched by anywhere in the world! Powered by Lancaster County people, organizations, and businesses, The Extraordinary Give continues to be the most generous per capita giving day in the nation. In only 8 days, since the event started in 2012, the Extraordinary Give has generated more than $53 Million to support more than 600 causes across Lancaster County. 

It’s no secret that 2020 will feel a bit different, but the good news is that the Extraordinary Give has always been an online event, and with more tools than ever to help causes, individuals and businesses be part of the Extragive, Lancaster County is positioned to create another extraordinary day. Coming at the perfect time during a turbulent year, our community can join together for the things they care about, and lift up the extraordinary work of our local causes.

How it works:

For 24 hours only, on November 20, individuals can visit ExtraGive.org, choose from 500 organizations, and make a secure online donation. With the challenges of the pandemic reaching deep into our community, participating organizations need our support now more than ever. Thanks to our generous sponsors, Rodgers & Associations, High Foundation and other corporate partners, every gift will be stretched with more than $500,000 so that every donation goes the extra mile for causes you care about.  

Thriving on local spirit:

Celebrating the Extraordinary Give this year will reflect the same positive spirit that has driven this event to be an unofficial local holiday. Watch for digital billboards across the county reflecting the live growing total throughout the day, giant ExtraGive balloons in the City of Lancaster, and the dynamic light show at the Griest Building in Penn Square starting at 5 pm. In addition, local businesses will be partnering with causes to run specials, offer discounts, and raise awareness while also driving vital local commerce to the area.

New and returning features like the Extragive Business Leaderboard allow local businesses to engage their employees and raise money for the day, uniting their brand with energy of ExtraGive. In 2019 alone, local businesses and their employees raised an extraordinary $100,000 on the day! You can learn more about the business leaderboard at ExtraGive.org.

Building the day together:

New for 2020, people can experience ExtraGive CAST, a digital experience built from community-created content! From 5pm – Midnight Extragive CAST will offer a digital experience designed to create a safe and socially distant way for you to enjoy the 2020 Extraordinary Give from the comfort of your home! CAST will feature updates from the ExtraGive team across the community, live prize drawings, and messages from participating organizations.

Submit your photo or video and see you and your friends appear in the community-driven CAST experience by using the hashtag #IGiveExtra on Instagram and Twitter, and you might see yourself in ExtraGive CAST!

It’s no secret that this ExtraGive will be a little different, but what makes the day truly extraordinary is the same: Lancaster County’s commitment to the people, organizations, and community that we care about. This November 20, we hope you’ll join the tens of thousands of your neighbors, friends, and family and give EXTRA!

Learn more at ExtraGive.org.

not secure