By Nick Mordowanec | The Oakland Press | Published November 29, 2021

A pair of Pontiac nonprofit organizations are seeking community support for Giving Tuesday, annually celebrated the Tuesday after Thanksgiving to encourage generosity in local communities.

The Pontiac Community Foundation has partnered with the financial services organization Thrivent Member Network, of the Great Lakes region, to challenge six local nonprofits to raise the most money through crowdfunding campaigns between Dec. 6-10.

Those organizations include Accent Pontiac; The Art Experience; Catholic Community Response Team; E-Community Outreach Services; Kids Empowered; and Pontiac Transportation Museum.

Monetary prizes will be awarded to the organizations that raise the most funds. First, second and third prize winners will receive $10,000, $5,000 and $2,500, respectively.

Thrivent will cover all processing fees, assuring that 100% of donations go directly into the Pontiac community.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Thrivent for these great causes,” said Dustin McClellan, founder and CEO of the Pontiac Community Foundation. “Thanks to Thrivent’s generosity, each dollar raised will go directly back into the Pontiac community. We’re incredibly grateful to them for their support.”

In addition to the giving challenge, Thrivent and PCF are partnering to raise funds for improvements to Mattie McKinney Hatchett Park.

For every $2 donated online Tuesday through Thrivent’s online giving platform, Thrivent will match $1 up to an additional $20,000.

“Thrivent Great Lakes Region is passionate about teaming up with local organizations to improve communities,” said Allison Blaylock, manager of community engagement at Thrivent. “We look forward to partnering with the Pontiac Community Foundation in supporting the variety of nonprofits and great causes.”

Grace Centers of Hope, which for almost 80 years has helped men, women and children transition from homelessness and addiction to stable housing, sobriety and employment, is also getting involved.

The center will match all Tuesday donations, up to $15,000, to support its homeless and life skills programs. Donations will help provide food, clothing and shelter for the nearly 200 men, women and children currently enrolled in programs.

“Giving Tuesday is truly a wonderful day to celebrate the tremendous generosity of millions of Americans who want to make a positive impact in their communities,” said Kent Clark, CEO of the center. “We hope the challenge gift made by our friends and longtime supporters at Express Employment Professionals encourages our neighbors in the community to think of Grace Centers of Hope when making their annual holiday donation.”

Those interested in donating can visit www.gracecentersofhope.org to make their donation.

Donations also can be made by calling 1-855-HELP-GCH or via mail at 35 East Huron Street in Pontiac.

The matching challenge campaign will end at midnight Tuesday.