Centre Gives, and So Do the Kids — With a Little Help from Mom, Dad,and a Healthy Dose of Internet Magic

By now, Centre County knows what Centre Gives is about. Every May, this 36-hour online fundraiser becomes more than just an event; it’s a reflection of our community’s spirit. It starts quietly, with a single click, and builds into a powerful chorus of generosity. Neighbors rally to support the nonprofits that guide us forward. Those that put meals on tables, provide stability during uncertain times, and create safe, inspiring spaces for young people to learn, grow, and thrive.

When the giving ends, we don’t just celebrate. We come together to recognize what we’ve made possible together.

And in recent years, something kind of beautiful has started to happen. Parents are turning Centre Gives into a teachable moment—a chance to show their kids that “we take care of our own” isn’t just a saying. It’s a value to live by.

“We have really enjoyed allowing our boys, 8 and 13, to pick one or two organizations to support during Centre Gives,” said Catherine Rasmussen. “They love looking through the list to find ones they recognize — like their former preschool or the place where we got our two rescue cats. They said they like to give to the smaller nonprofits that don’t make as much as some of the bigger ones. Owen, who’s 13, told me, ‘I like to give to an organization that I feel connected to.’”

And when the giving starts, her boys are all in. “They love to check the totals at the end and see how ‘their’ organizations did, and if they won any prizes. It’s a great opportunity to see the community come together and for us to contribute in small ways that end up making a big impact.”

“It’s been so much fun making Centre Gives a family affair,” said Hannah Morris, known to many locally as Happy Valley Hannah. “Last year, we gave each of our children a small amount of money and let them choose which organization they wanted to support. It sparked some great conversations around the dinner table and gave us a chance to talk about the importance of giving back. It’s a simple but meaningful way to teach kids about generosity, community, and the impact they can have—no matter how small the gift.”

Centre Gives makes giving easy. It’s all online—no envelopes, no bake sales—just you and your family, an internet connection, and over 220 Centre County nonprofits doing meaningful work year-round and counting on your support. There are leaderboards. Bonus prizes. And a half-a-million-dollar stretch pool that helps your gift go even further, no matter the size.

It’s gamified giving—just enough fun to draw kids in, but with real, lasting impact. These kids remember who they gave to. They ask about it in the fall. They see the murals, the summer camps, the food pantries, and they know we helped.

For families, Centre Gives is like sneaking vegetables into mac and cheese. You’re making generosity feel normal, not like something you do “when you’re older,” but something you do because giving back is taking care of the people and places you love, now and in the future.

Call it what it is—a lesson in generosity. Or just call it fun. Either way, you’re planting something. And like most good things in Centre County, it grows.

This May 14 & 15, gather the family, roll up your sleeves, and log on to CentreGives.org to give where you live—together.

Let’s celebrate the grand finale together at Brass 16823 https://www.brass16823.com/ and amplify our impact! Join us Thursday, May 15, from 5–8 p.m. for an unforgettable evening of epic tunes, delicious eats from local food trucks, and family-friendly activities hosted by Centre Foundation and our amazing participating nonprofits. Click “Going” on our event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1180369806634484 and share it with your friends—because together, we can surpass last year’s incredible $2.5 million and make this year’s #CentreGives even more unforgettable.