The Adams County Community Foundation Giving Spree is more than just a day of giving—it’s a celebration of generosity, community, and the nonprofits that make Adams County a vibrant place to live. Each year, friends, neighbors, and families come together to learn about and support 100 local nonprofits working tirelessly to improve lives across Adams County.

What began in 2011 with $8,000 in donations has grown into one of the largest giving days in America. Last year, donors gave $3.7 million through more than 11,000 individual gifts—to nonprofits right here in Adams County. That’s more than Lancaster, York, the entire state of Washington, and even Dallas, Texas—where everything is supposed to be big.

The Giving Spree is Adams County’s Day of Giving, and it’s successful because it reflects who we are: a generous, connected, and caring community.  Over the past 15 years, the Giving Spree has supported the same community, through many of the same nonprofits. What’s changed is our growing awareness that when we give together, we can create lasting impact.

So how do we move you from thinking about giving to actually giving? The Giving Spree makes it easy—and meaningful.

The Community Foundation and our generous sponsors cover all event costs. Nonprofits don’t pay to participate, and 100% of every donation benefits the nonprofit selected by the donor. We offer prizes and incentives, including a shared match pool that stretches every gift. That means the more you give to your favorite nonprofit, the larger their share of the incentive match.

Donors can also choose how their gift is used. A “today” gift supports the nonprofit’s current needs. A “forever” gift is added to that nonprofit’s endowment fund at the Community Foundation, where it’s invested to generate annual grants for generations to come. Every gift builds a stronger, more sustainable future for our community.

Giving is simple. Just complete a Giving Spree Donation Form—available online at www.ACCFGivingSpree.org or at the Community Foundation—and indicate which nonprofits you want to support and how much you’d like to give. You can donate by check, credit card, stock, IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution, or even from your Donor Advised Fund or private foundation. Matching gifts from your employer can count too.

And on November 6, we invite you to experience the Giving Spree in person at the Wyndham Gettysburg. Meet nonprofit representatives, ask questions, and make your gift with the help of friendly volunteers. There’s something powerful about giving with others—side by side, for the community we all love.

In the end, the success of the Giving Spree depends on you. Your decision to give—to take that final step—helps ensure that Adams County nonprofits can continue to serve, support, and uplift every corner of our community.

This is what the Giving Spree is all about: helping our community help each other.

Ralph Serpe is President & CEO of the Adams County Community Foundation, producers of the Giving Spree. He serves on the board of the Adams Economic Alliance, the National Standards Board for U.S. Community Foundations, and does whatever it takes to help you leave the charitable legacy you want for the community you love. He can be reached at 717-337-0060 or rs****@***********cf.org