Small Town Startup’s Second Annual Giving Day proved once again that big generosity thrives in small towns. Held on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at BS Brew Works in Springfield, Tennessee, this year’s event brought the community together in a day-long celebration of giving, connection, and nonprofit impact—raising an impressive $39,058.87 in just 24 hours.

The event featured 11 local nonprofit organizations, each with unique missions and meaningful goals. Together, they received 262 individual donations, while also competing in hourly fundraising challenges and random drawings that awarded $2,350 in bonus prizes.

“Giving Day creates an exciting, festival-like atmosphere where our local nonprofits can showcase their amazing work while raising crucial funds,” said Abigail Brown, Director of Education at Small Town Startup. “After seeing the tremendous community response when we first hosted this event in 2023, we're thrilled to bring everyone together again with even more opportunities for these organizations to boost their fundraising efforts.”

Among this year’s participants was Critter Fixers, a nonprofit veterinary care organization focused on animal welfare. Founder and Director Chantele shared how the event helped energize both her team and their fundraising efforts.

“Everyone enjoyed it, both this year and last,” she said. “They particularly enjoyed the puzzle challenge because it involved everyone on the team. It's definitely a high-energy event.”

Critter Fixers reached its Giving Day fundraising goals both years, with donations supporting the nonprofit’s biggest milestone yet—opening a long-awaited spay and neuter clinic. “Our goal in 2023 was $5,000 and we raised over $7,000,” Chantele explained. “This year our goal was $10,000 and we just barely made it. Donations are down across the board, not just for us, but all nonprofits, so we were considering it a win if we even came close to our goal.”

Chantele credited preparation and donor outreach for their success. “The event itself played a part in that, but in fundraising it’s what you do beforehand that matters. Both years we sent out postcards, made phone calls, and really reached out to our donors.”

Funds raised by Critter Fixers are helping bring their new clinic to life. After three years of planning and fundraising, they secured a location in fall 2024 and completed renovations in early 2025. With state inspections passed and hiring underway, the clinic is expected to open in July 2025.

Beyond the dollars raised, Giving Day created deeper ties between organizations and the people they serve, helping nonprofits build visibility, form new relationships, and lay the groundwork for future support. Community members were encouraged to stop by throughout the day, enjoy the festive atmosphere, connect with nonprofits, and grab a bite from the BS Brew Works kitchen.

This year’s Giving Day builds on the success of the inaugural event in 2023, which raised over $30,000. With even more participation, excitement, and impact this year, it's clear that Giving Day is becoming a powerful, positive tradition in Robertson County.