An area-wide fundraiser for 98 organizations wrapped up on “Giving Tuesday,” November 30. Christy Tustin, executive director of the Golden Belt Community Foundation, said people had already donated more than $80,000 before the official holiday of charitable giving, which is always on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving.

Actually, the campaign is open for an entire month, and Tustin said any gifts received by the end of this week would count toward the Giving Tuesday campaign.

Tustin announced previously that the GBCF would provide a $10,000 match, to be divided among groups that have endowments with the Foundation. The money is divided in proportion to the amount raised by each group.

“Because of a few generous donors who stepped up with funds, the match that was $10,000 is now $25,000,” she said.

The GBCF office was open Tuesday, with the staff offering cookies, hot cider and other treats to those who stopped by with their donations. Several area banks also served as drop-off sites, and GBCF board members would collect and deliver donations in the afternoon. GBCF serves Barton, Pawnee, Rush and Stafford counties.

“It’s been a really good day – right on track with previous years,” Tustin said.

However, the final results won’t be tallied before next week and will be announced at The Great Charity Giveaway. That will be held during the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce Coffee at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 16, at the Prince of Peace Parish Center. That’s when GBCF will announce the top 10 recipients and the winners of matching funds and the Most Generous Community Award.

Donations can still be made online at goldenbeltgives.org or at the GBCF office, 1307 Williams St. GBCF is also celebrating its 25th anniversary. At $30 million in total assets and more than 180 funds under management, the Golden Belt Community Foundation has been connecting people who care to causes that matter since 1996.