MANSFIELD — The final hours of Richland Gives turned the Idea Works building into a buzzing hub of celebration Tuesday evening.

Donors, non-profit leaders and community members cheered as the community raised $739,860 for 88 local organizations, from 1,994 donors.

Richland Source hosted a watch party for the annual online giving event by The Richland County Foundation — offering a space to cheer on the dozens of local organizations participating this year.

A season of giving, powered by community

Throughout the evening, attendees refreshed the Richland Gives leaderboard on large screens, watching as last-minute contributions rolled in and non-profit organizations climbed higher in their categories.

For Bobby Rhea, Community Investment Officer at the Richland County Foundation, the night highlighted what makes the event special.

“This is my favorite part each year — seeing the nonprofits represented,” Rhea said. “This is an opportunity for nonprofits to raise money that can be used to keep their lights on or for program-specific needs.”

Sharing stories behind the numbers

For many organizations, the watch party was a chance to see the results of their fundraising efforts in real time. It was also an opportunity to celebrate the supporters who pushed them across the finish line.

For smaller or newer nonprofits, the night was especially meaningful. Renata Music, owner of Music Academy of Karate and Empowerment, said Richland Gives helps young organizations stand out in the community.

“This event is huge for me, especially as an ‘infant’ in the nonprofit world,” Music said. “To be halfway to my goal is huge. To know I have people in the community that support what I do is unimaginable.”

Prizes and grants highlight the night

Richland Gives — organized each year by the Richland County Foundation — opened its donation window on Nov. 17 and continued through the evening of Dec. 2. The online event encourages residents to support local nonprofits with an easy, unified giving platform.

Maura Teynor, Chief Advancement Officer for the Richland County Foundation, said watching the community rally together never loses its impact.

“What goes on during Richland Gives is truly amazing to watch,” Teynor said.

This year, Richland Gives featured $80,000 in incentive grants, thanks to early donors who boosted the impact of every contribution.

Throughout the night, multiple prizes were presented to nonprofits. This year’s event included 10 Golden Ticket prizes worth $1,000 each. A few of the winners included Ohio Bird Sanctuary, Mansfield Noon Optimist Club, Kingwood Center Gardens and The Domestic Violence Shelter, among others.

New this year, Teynor said, the Richland County Foundation invited nonprofits to submit a marketing plan for review.

The Domestic Violence Shelter won the $1,000 marketing grant for its submitted plan. Additional prizes included an attendance award, a social media prize and several random-draw incentives.

(Photos from the Richland Gives watch party. Credit: Hannah Martin)