401Gives surpasses $1M in first few hours

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — According to the Communications Department for United Way of Rhode Island, more than 4,200 donors have given over $1 million in support of local nonprofits in the first few hours of 401Gives, and the numbers continue to rapidly climb.

United Way announced that as of 11:00 A.M., 401Gives had already generated $1,029,098 for over 500 local nonprofit organizations.

In its fifth year, the organization has set a goal of $4 million.

Spokesperson Michael Cerio shared that three of the top donors from this morning are the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center at $54,610; Foster Forward with $51,651; and School One at $30,255.

As early as 6:00 A.M. this morning, a special $25,000 matching gift opportunity presented by Rhode Island Foundation was met within 15 seconds of opening.

By 9:00 A.M., a number of cash drawings were pulled for eligible nonprofits.

More matches and prizes will occur throughout the day.

United Way President and CEO Cortney Nicolato shared:

“Year after year I am floored with how Rhode Islanders continue to take their generosity to new levels on behalf of the organizations that not only are important to them, but important to everyone who calls this great state home — And we’re nowhere near done…there’s still plenty of 401Gives left.”

United Way shared that donations can be made to any one of the 600+ RI-based organizations at 401Gives.org

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