'Big Give' day set for Nov. 3

McCOOK, Neb. -- McCook is a community with a big heart. That generous nature will shine during the McCook Community Chest's first-ever "Big Give Day" on Nov. 3.

Kicking off the effort to acquaint everyone with this brand-new "one day of giving" concept, the Community Chest will host a free-will barbecue preceding McCook National Bank's "Hot Summer Nights" concert Thursday, July 28, in Norris Park.

The barbecue begins at 6 p.m.; the menu includes pulled pork sandwiches, chips, cookies and bottled water. Stephanie and Oscar Montes of McCook will sing at 6:30 p.m., opening for "The Innocence" whose performance starts at 7 p.m. The song list for The Innocence, a Kearney band, includes hits from Journey to Rascal Flatts, from Bruno Mars to AC/DC.

"Big Give Day" chairperson Melissa Stritt and co-chairperson Lisa Felker are excited about the opportunity to support organizations funded by the McCook Community Chest through a concentrated, one day of giving. This day replaces the Community Chest's extended giving drives of the past.

Melissa said the new concept's "matching funds" option makes every donation count even more.

"Each donor and donation will help the 18 organizations qualify for matching 'bonus funds,' making every donation even more powerful," she said.

"Big Give Day" already has a $25,000 commitment -- from the Graff Charitable Foundation -- to the matching bonus fund pool. Melissa and Lisa said they are beginning to solicit additional commitments to enhance this fund.

To make "Big Give Day" work, donors can make their donations to 18 organizations only on Thursday, Nov. 3, from midnight through midnight on-line and through more traditional business hours in person at McCook National Bank and at "giving stations" at organizations among the 18 that are planning special events and activities also that day.

Melissa and Lisa said the 18 organizations have received invitations to participate in this "pilot year" Big Give Day. There may be more organizations and agencies added in future years, they said.

Big Give Day in McCook is supported by the Nebraska Community Foundation, which is providing funds to design the website, biggivedaymccook.org. The website will allow each organization to tell its story, and to let donors know of their own Big Give Day activities.

The 18 organizations, each one a non-profit, are: Adult Basic Education, Domestic Abuse Sexual Assault Services, Ed Thomas McCook YMCA and Live Y'ers, Family Resource Center.

Lutheran Family Services Diversion Program, Community Action Partnership of Mid-Nebraska commodities supplemental food program, Mid-Nebraska Head Start, Mid-Nebraska homelessness prevention.

Prairie Plains CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates), the Salvation Army, TeamMates mentoring program, McCook Humane Society.

Share the Heat, McCook Arts Council, Habitat for Humanity, McCook Community Chest and McCook Community Foundation.

For more information on Big Give Day, check out Big Give McCook on Facebook; go to the website at biggivemccook.org; or contact Melissa or Lisa at McCook National Bank, (308) 345-4240.