We Care Manatee Wins Suncoast
Oprah's Big Give Contest

On April 22, 2008, in front of a large crowd at the Community Foundation of Sarasota and ABC-TV cameras rolling, We Care Manatee edged out two Sarasota charities in a month-long fundraising campaign to win an extra $10,000 from ABC-TV's Oprah's Big Give.

We Care raised $28,176.61, taking home $38,176.61 to win by a scant $205 over Mothers Helping Mothers. JOY, a charity helping foster children once they leave the foster care system at age 18, came in third. The total raised by all three organizations was just under $100,000.

The local affiliate ABC 7 paired with the Community Foundation of Sarasota to organize the campaign for three charities, airing almost $200,000 worth of advertising on their behalf. Board members were energized, staff motivated, donors inspired, as the three charities worked hard to win the $10,000. In the end, all three charities were winners, taking home much needed dollars and incredible publicity that would not have been available had the program not occurred.

When We Care was announced the winner, Executive Director Donna Catalini jumped out of her chair, hugging Board members Dr. Jennifer McCullen and Dr. Peter Mattina. Dr. McCullen and Ms. Catalini made their way to the front of the room amid thunderous applause to accept the enlarged check for $38,176.61.

On behalf of the patients it serves, We Care thanks all donors who made this moment possible. The additional funds will provide more opportunity to serve folks in need of medical care and who have no insurance and cannot afford the care on their own.

One such person is a gentleman who recently came into the office to establish eligibility for the program. When told he was all set, he responded, "You mean, I'm accepted?" The answer was "Yes, you are," and with that, he burst into tears.

For ABC 7 coverage of the story, click here.