The First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania (FCFP) in collaboration with the Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships, hosted Raise the Region 2024 on March 13 and 14, to help the communities of Columbia, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, Tioga, and Union counties support local nonprofit fundraising efforts. North Central Pennsylvania showed its true spirit of philanthropy by donating $2,343,179 to 350 nonprofit organizations. The 30-hour online fundraiser had thousands of donors make 15,249 gifts. Since starting in 2013, Raise the Region has collectively received over $19 million in donations for the benefit of local nonprofit organizations.

“Raise the Region continues to highlight the philanthropic spirit of our communities,” said Jennifer D. Wilson, President & CEO. “The staff and board of directors at FCFP are grateful to the Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships and the many sponsors that make this event possible. Additionally, we congratulate the record-breaking number of nonprofits that participated and achieved success through this platform.”

In addition to the over $1.98 million in online public donations, the participating nonprofits benefited from $358,582 in stretch funds and prizes from the Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships and associate sponsors. Monetary prizes and incentives sponsored by Evergreen Wealth Solutions, First Citizens Community Bank, KC101 Radio, Larson Design Group, Pennsylvania Skill by Miele Manufacturing, Subaru, Toyota Motor Corporation, UPMC, UPMC Health Plan, and Weis Markets were awarded throughout the day to more than 115 participating nonprofit organizations. Nonprofits were divided into three categories based on their size allowing more organizations to receive prizes. To view a full list of the prize and incentive results, visit: www.raisetheregion.org/prizes

The Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships Grand Prize awards $5,000 to the small, medium, and large nonprofit with the most unique donors throughout the 30-hour period:

  • Small nonprofit – Patriot K9 Rescue, Inc.
  • Medium nonprofit – ThinkBIG Pediatric Cancer Fund
  • Large nonprofit – Camp Susque

Second place prize winners each receive $2,000:

  • Small nonprofit – Maranatha Mission Home Network, Inc.
  • Medium nonprofit – Cherished Cats Rescue Alliance
  • Large nonprofit – Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble

$1,000 is awarded to each of the third-place prize winners:

  • Small nonprofit – Newberry Branch of NGA (National Giving Alliance)
  • Medium nonprofit – Cats in Bloom
  • Large nonprofit – Central PA Food Bank

Aubrey Alexander said, “In an economy that’s a little slower than last year, nevertheless Raise the Region always amazes me. I was optimistic but never thought we would beat last year’s record. Congrats to all the nonprofits and thanks to FCFP for the professional and well executed event!”

The Blaise Alexander Family Dealership presents FCFP with a check for $175,000 for Raise the Region 2024.

Left to Right: Brandon Hugo; Blaise Anthony Alexander; Ted Strosser, FCFP Board Chairman; Aubrey Alexander; Rome Malizia.