Newly launched fundraising entity Donate4Sacramento on Monday gave more than $260,000 to community organizations to help people, families, small businesses and non-profits that have been affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.
The amount is part of an overall $600,000 that has been pledged by more than 540 donors since the program began one week ago.
Led by the Sierra Health Foundation — and in partnership with City government, Councilmember Jay Schenirer and community groups — the fundraising effort was put together quickly as local and state “stay-at home” orders continue to have an impact on Sacramento businesses and their employees.
“I would like to thank all the partners for moving so quickly to get these donations to work in our community,” said Mayor Darrell Steinberg. “This is an extraordinary time, and we are mounting an extraordinary effort to soften the effects of this pandemic on our small businesses, non-profits and most vulnerable residents.”
“I’ve been amazed, but not surprised at how Sacramentans support our own – whether it’s through virtual tip jars, impromptu bodegas and delivery services, or more formal fundraising,” said Schenirer. “The Donate4Sacramento fund is a way for us to amplify efforts and leverage them to support the greatest need.”
The money will be distributed in Sacramento County by United Way California Capital Region, Sacramento Region Community Foundation, Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce and Sacramento Steps Forward.
Major commitments to Donate4Sacramento have been made by Sierra Health Foundation and Health Net, Ford Motor Company Fund, The California Wellness Foundation, Comcast, Intel, Sacramento developers David and Helene Taylor and the Teichert Foundation, a construction company based in Sacramento.
Anyone interested in making a donation can go visit the program website.