Brenham Unites for a Day of Giving
On a bright and sunny day in Brenham, with temperatures climbing toward 90°F, the community came together to make a difference. The sixth annual Brazos Valley Gives event was in full swing on Tuesday, showcasing the spirit of philanthropy that thrives in our region. Residents and local nonprofits joined forces to raise over $1.2 million for 198 participating organizations.
A Heartwarming Turnout
The enthusiasm surrounding this year’s event was palpable! Patricia Gerling, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of the Brazos Valley, expressed her joy in seeing the community engage so deeply with local nonprofits. “We are tickled to death to celebrate philanthropy within the Brazos Valley Gives program,” she said with a smile. “This is our gift to the community in recognizing the donors and the work of all our great nonprofits.”
A notable highlight was the incredible contributions from our neighbors in Washington County. With a significant portion of the donations coming from this area, it was clear that the heart of Brenham beats strongly for those in need.
Top Fundraisers Shine
Among the organizations that stood out this year were Hope Gathering and The Citadel, both based in Brenham. Hope Gathering managed to raise an impressive $95,000, while The Citadel was not far behind with a fantastic contribution of $86,000. These organizations were celebrated for their relentless efforts to support local causes, highlighting the impact of community-driven initiatives.
And there’s more good news! The Burton and Brenham Education Foundations are set to benefit from matching grant funds, thanks to the Greater Texas Foundation that operates on a two-to-one match strategy. As Gerling explained, “If they raised $2,500, we can turn that into a $5,000 grant.” What a fantastic way to amplify the generosity of donors!
Celebrating Community Spirit
Over the last five years, the Brazos Valley Gives initiative has raised an astonishing $4,723,708 for local nonprofits. This includes more than $213,000 earmarked for sponsorship prizes. For this year’s event, donors had the convenience of contributing online via brazosvalleygives.org or dropping off donations at four drive-through locations from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. The Washington County Chamber of Commerce served as a local drop-off site, making giving easy and accessible for everyone.
The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement, especially during the “big check” presentations, where businesses and organizations proudly showcased their contributions. It was a great moment for social media, providing opportunities for participants to capture and share their experiences.
Moreover, more than 88 dedicated volunteers manned various campaigns, hosting online fundraisers and rallying support for their chosen causes. Their efforts were a testament to the strength of community involvement and unity.
Looking Ahead
As the dust settled from this year’s spectacular event, Gerling announced an upcoming celebration scheduled for Monday, Nov. 11. This gathering will welcome participating nonprofits for a prize giveaway event—a perfect way to celebrate the spirit of giving! Julie Porter, co-chair of the event, summarized it best: “Brazos Valley Gives strengthens our nonprofits and unites the community as one.”
If you’re interested in learning more about the participating organizations or how you can get involved, you can visit brazosvalleygives.org or reach out to the Community Foundation at 979-589-4305. Join us next time and be a part of making Brenham an even better place to live!
