For the second year in a row, Arizonans have opened their pocketbooks to support Arizona Gives Day. Started in 2013, this is a day dedicated to philanthropy and supporting worthy non-profits doing great work around our state. Last year close to $1,000,000 was raised in a single day. The 2014 Arizona Gives Day took place on April 9. In a 24-hour period, $1,375,000 was raised to support nearly 1,000 non-profits throughout Arizona.

It was a wonderful day of community support and involvement. What is great about Arizona Gives Day is that donations as low as $10 are encouraged and every participating organization has a summary of its work and mission easily available in on place. This allows visitors to learn more about organizations that might interest them and support more than one in a philanthropic shopping spree.

Our office supported Arizona Giving Day with folks donating to longtime favorites like Children's Museum Tucson, Angel Charity for Children, Boys and Girls Club of Southern Arizona, TMC Foundation and, of course, Ben's Bells. Ben's Bells won the day in 2014, just as it did in 2013, by bringing in the most individual donors of any group. 673 people donated a total of $15,673 to the cause. With Ben's Bells victory, it earned an additional $18,000 prize from the Arizona Gives Day planners, bringing the one day total to an amazing $33,673!

Thanks to all who participated in this wonderful, and exciting, day.

By Dev Sethi