Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
Dyer Leads Million-Dollar Fundraiser for Nonprofits.
David Website Replacement
By David Taub, Senior Reporter
Published 5 years ago on
April 2, 2020

Share

Four of Fresno’s most well-known nonprofits have been hit with a double whammy in the COVID-19 era — increased demand and falling donations

Mayor-elect Jerry Dyer announced an effort Thursday to help alleviate the situation. Five anonymous Fresno business leaders have contributed $100,000 each as seed money for a dollar-for-dollar matching program over the next thirty days. The goal is to raise $1 million.

During a news conference at the Central California Food Bank, Dyer said that business leaders are stepping up.

“We want to let (the nonprofits) know that we are going to come together. We’re going to come together as one Fresno,” said Dyer, repeating his campaign theme. “We’re going to do what is necessary to lessen the burden that they are under. We’re going to lessen the burden for those who’ve been impacted by this crisis.”

Demand Up, Donations Down

Representatives of the four nonprofits at the news conference shared similar stories. Demand for services has increased, while fundraising and donations are down.

Andy Souza, president and CEO of the Central California Food Bank, said 30% of recent recipients are new. Distributions have doubled.

“This wasn’t a recession that we gradually moseyed into. This was an instant crisis,” Souza said.

He called the last few weeks the hardest hit the food bank has had during his 10 years with the organization.

“We’re staying above water,” Souza said. “It’s coming at us like a fire hose instead of a garden hose.”

Souza said two fundraising events were canceled in the wake of COVID-19, costing his nonprofit $800,000.

But there is good news ahead. ABC30 is hosting a Feeding Our Families Virtual Telethon on Friday.

All donations will help the food bank. You can donate by testing CCFB to 555888 or click here to donate online.

Left to right: Nicole Linder of the Marjare Mason Center, Andy Souza of the Central California Food Bank, Matthew Pildine of the Fresno Rescue Mission, and Zack Darrah of the Poverello House (GV Wire/David Taub)

Shelters Also Struggling

“It’s going to be a challenge for our regular donors. It’s going to be a challenge for people thinking about giving special gifts that may not give those gifts now because of COVID-19.”Zack Darrah, Poverello House

Zack Darrah, CEO of the Poverello House — a provider of homelessness services — has seen a 300% increase in requests for emergency food bags.

Poverello House has also provided 3,000 more hot meals per week than normal.

He expects fewer donations, even as their workload has increased.

“It’s going to be a challenge for our regular donors. It’s going to be a challenge for people thinking about giving special gifts that may not give those gifts now because of COVID-19,” Darrah said.

Some of the emergency money coming from the state will go to Poverello House to help with more beds.

Fresno Rescue Mission CEO Matthew Pildine says that because of the run on food in grocery stores, they are no longer receiving store donations of day-old bread.

Domestic Violence Concerns

It’s really in those times of quiet that we actually get most nervous. Because for us, we’re thinking there are reasons people aren’t calling.”Nicole Linder, Marjaree Mason Center

Nicole Linder, executive director of the Marjaree Mason Center, says calls to her organization have been like a roller coaster.

The center provides services to domestic violence survivors.

“We originally saw a 30% increase in calls to our hotline. The following week, we saw a dip while the same time the sheriff’s office saw a 50% increase,” Linder said.

Calls for help have increased again.

“It’s really in those times of quiet that we actually get most nervous. Because for us, we’re thinking there are reasons people aren’t calling,” Linder said.

Linder says that even though the courts are for the most part closed, they do remain open for emergency restraining orders.

To reach the Marjaree Mason Center for any need, call 559-233-4357 or email crt@mmcenter.org.

Linder said that canceled fundraisers caused a $300,000 gap, while costs have increased.

The center is spending on employees working remotely, upgrading technology, “and obviously cleaning and making sure that we provide resources to encourage people to stay as confined in their room as possible,” Linder said.

Dyer Praises Donors

Dyer said he was humbled by the anonymous donors’ actions.

“I wish I could say who those business leaders are because, quite frankly, they need to be recognized. But, they have chosen to remain anonymous because that’s who they are,” Dyer said.

Dyer credited Fresno fundraising specialist Terra Brusseau with pitching the idea to business leaders.

Where to Donate

The website to donate is GiveHelpNow.org.

While the four main recipients will be the Central California Food Bank, Poverello House, Fresno Rescue Mission, and the Marjaree Mason Center, any Fresno County nonprofit providing “emergency food, shelter, and services that have been directly impacted by COVID-19” can receive funds, according to the website.

The nonprofit Valley Future Foundation will administer the funds, which will be distributed in May. Brusseau is the group’s nonprofit head.

Dyer pushed the urgency of the fundraising campaign.

“We can’t wait for federal assistance. We can’t wait for states to come to our aid. We have to come together as a community and help these organizations today,” Dyer said.

Dyer said local media will help with free public service announcements on TV, radio, and print.

DON'T MISS

What Are Fresno Real Estate Experts Predicting for 2025 and Beyond?

UP NEXT

Fresno Shooting Leaves Man Dead Near Griffith and Hughes

David Taub,
Senior Reporter
Curiosity drives David Taub. The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices. Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read. Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man). Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl. When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue! You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email

Fresno Shooting Leaves Man Dead Near Griffith and Hughes

16 hours ago

Iran and Israel Say a New Wave of Iranian Missile Attacks Has Begun. Explosions Heard Over Jerusalem

16 hours ago

Vacant Fresno Restaurant Heavily Damaged in Early Morning Fire

An early morning fire caused significant damage to a vacant restaurant building in Fresno, the Fresno Fire Department reported.   ...

15 hours ago

A vacant Fresno restaurant was heavily damaged in a fire early Friday, June 13, 2025, morning, with no injuries reported and the cause under investigation. (Fresno FD)
15 hours ago

Vacant Fresno Restaurant Heavily Damaged in Early Morning Fire

16 hours ago

Visalia Police Make Arrest in Deadly Hit-and-Run

Michael Sanchez, 30, a Madera County inmate, who failed to return from a funeral day-pass was arrested Friday after a police chase and crash involving children. (Madera County SO)
16 hours ago

Madera County Inmate Arrested After Chase and Crash With Kids in Car

16 hours ago

Fresno Shooting Leaves Man Dead Near Griffith and Hughes

Israeli Iron Dome air defense system fires to intercept missiles over Tel Aviv, Israel, Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Tomer Neuberg)
16 hours ago

Iran and Israel Say a New Wave of Iranian Missile Attacks Has Begun. Explosions Heard Over Jerusalem

A man in his 80s was found dead in Bass Lake on Friday, June 13, 2025, morning while attempting to launch a boat, authorities said. (Madera County SO)
17 hours ago

Man Found Dead in Bass Lake, Cause Under Investigation

U.S. Marines detain a person outside the Wilshire Federal Building after Marines were deployed to Los Angeles, as protests against federal immigration sweeps continue, in Los Angeles, California, U.S. June 13, 2025. (Reuters/Aude Guerrucci)
17 hours ago

US Marines Carry out First Known Detention of Civilian in Los Angeles, Video Shows

17 hours ago

Tensions Boil Between Arias and Dem Congressmembers

Help continue the work that gets you the news that matters most.

Search

Send this to a friend