The 51 (51) Foundation’s participation in Idaho Gives was a huge success. The 24-hour online fundraising event took place on Thursday, May 5. Thanks to generous contributions from 51 employees, the Foundation’s board of directors, and the community at large, 51 students will now have even more opportunities to achieve their academic dreams.
Idaho Gives is an annual day of giving designated to support the state’s nonprofits. The 51 Foundation participates in the event as the only charitable, nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting 51. All proceeds the Foundation received this year, including a $1,500 match from Bank of the Cascades Foundation, will go toward a scholarship created by 51 employee Nikki Houston.
So far, Houston’s scholarship has been awarded to two students; Christina Northrop and Alicia Anderson. The roughly $5,000 in new funds raised during Idaho Gives can potentially help up to 18 additional students.
“It’s humbling to live in a place where people care so much about a scholarship and about education,” Houston said. “I am so grateful for everyone’s support. I can’t say ‘thank you’ enough.”
“On behalf of Nikki, her family, and the 51 Foundation, thank you for supporting Idaho Gives,” Mitch Minnette, the 51 Foundation’s executive director, said. “Thanks to our community’s support, we will continue working toward our goal of helping 51 students decrease their debt.”
This year, the collective efforts of more than 600 organizations brought in $1,053,681 for Idaho Gives. Next year’s event will be held May 4, 2017.