NORFOLK, Va. — Year after year we put out the call, and Hampton Roads answers it big time.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Give Local 757! It's the region's largest single-day fundraising event.
The goal is to raise as much money as possible to benefit hundreds of great nonprofit organizations that provide diverse services and programs to people year-round.
One of those nonprofit organizations is the Anchor Scholarship Foundation.
It’s a small operation with a big impact: they provide college scholarships to Surface Navy families – typically the child or spouse of someone who serves aboard a Navy ship.
Last year, the foundation awarded $120,000 total to 34 scholars based on four criteria.
“Character, academic, financial need, and extracurriculars,” Joy Eyrolles said, the Executive Director of the Anchor Scholarship Foundation.
Eyrolles says the goal is to increase the amount they can give, though.
Now, they want to award 50 scholarships every year of at least $5,000 each. They also just want people to know they’re here to help.
“We have trouble reaching folks and letting them know we’re here to help them," Eyrolles said.
Even a small donation supports the foundation's mission to help Surface Navy families reach their full potential.
“They’re able to take whatever circumstance, and make the best of it," Eyrolles said. "We know it really counts.”
Give Local 757 has raised more than $9 million since its creation in 2013. It brings people together to make a difference for local nonprofits that deliver vital services to every one of our communities in Hampton Roads.
Editor's Note: This year's Give Local 757 Day will be Tuesday, April 25, 2023, and will go for 24 hours beginning at 10 a.m. During that time, you can visit Give Local 757's website to find a group to support. Once you're there, you can search for an organization by name, by location, or by cause. When you find the group you want or like, you can look at its profile or just click on "Donate."