The Power of Community: Giving Challenge 2024

In April 2024, the Children’s Guardian Fund proudly joined the community-wide Giving Challenge, a 24-hour online fundraising event that inspires generosity across our region. For one day, we invited our supporters to take action—by making a gift, sharing their passion for our mission, and encouraging friends and family to do the same.

The response was extraordinary. In just 24 hours, 174 individuals gave to support children in foster and state care—89 of them for the very first time. While the average gift was $98, the generosity of The Patterson Foundation doubled every donation, turning individual acts of kindness into an outstanding $31,768 raised for the children we serve.

What makes this accomplishment especially meaningful is that these funds were unrestricted. This flexibility allowed us to respond quickly and compassionately to each child’s unique needs—whether providing emergency essentials like beds, clothing, and car seats, or creating opportunities that bring joy and healing. Every gift—large or small—directly touched the lives of children in foster care, reminding them they are not forgotten and that their community believes in them.

The impact was felt in countless ways. One young boy received a $35 Walmart gift card for his birthday. It may seem small, but it brought him to tears—it was the first time anyone had celebrated his special day. Another child, once struggling in school, now receives weekly tutoring and is thriving academically. These stories reflect the lasting change your generosity makes possible.

The Giving Challenge proved that when a community comes together, extraordinary things happen. We are deeply grateful to everyone who participated—and to The Patterson Foundation for strengthening the impact of every donation.

Save the date: Join us again April 15–16, 2026 (noon to noon), and help us make the next Giving Challenge even more impactful!