DALLAS - Charitable organizations are hoping for another record-setter for North Texas Giving Day. The day makes a real difference for so many.
North Texas Giving Day has become a real phenomenon of charitable giving to thousands of registered local non-profit organizations.
Since the event began, it has raised $240 million for non-profits in the 20-county North Texas region.
Last year, 1,300 Dallas County non-profits participated. Those organizations received more than $25 million in donations from roughly 31,000 donors. And that’s not including bonus prizes or any matching funds.
Retired Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki and his wife were selected as honorary chairs for this year's event.
Throughout the morning Thursday, Good Day will be showcasing just a few of the charities fueled by North Texas Giving Day.
North Texas Giving Day: Metro Relief
Metro Relief CEO Austin Bonds gives Good Day a tour of their mobile relief bus. The non-profit provides meals and other services to people experiencing homelessness.
North Texas Giving Day: National Alliance on Mental Illness, North Texas
The North Texas chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness is celebrating North Texas Giving Day with a basketball theme. The group is giving away Dirk bobbleheads hourly. Spokesman Jeff Cavanaugh explained why the organization and donations are so important.
North Texas Giving Day: Dallas United Crew
The Dallas United Crew teaches people to push themselves beyond the ordinary and discover what they are capable of when working as a team. It's the only inclusive rowing organization in the Southern region with programs and scholarships designed for teens, disadvantaged youth, wheelchair veterans and breast cancer survivors.
North Texas Giving Day: Heritage Farmstead
Heritage Farmstead preserves the late 19th and early 20th-century blackland prairie history at Farrell-Wilson Farmstead, a designated historic site. True to their mission, their Giving Day event Thursday night will feature hog calling, rooster crowing, pie-eating contests and yoga with all the farmstead animals.
North Texas Giving Day: Mavs ManiAACs
This year North Texas Giving Day has real star power with Dallas Mavs great Dirk Nowitzki and his wife, Jessica, serving as honorary chairs. That gives the Mavs ManiAACs something to cheer about.
North Texas Giving Day: Foster Grandparents
The mission of The Senior Source has been to enhance the overall quality of life and empower all older adults in Greater Dallas to thrive. One of several programs they fund is a program for foster grandparents. Program director Triste Vasquez-White explains.
You can make a donation to any one of these charities or pick your favorite among thousands more by visiting www.NorthTexasGivingDay.org.