This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
More than 500 Utah charities raised $1,231,521 Thursday in the annual 24-hour Love Utah Give Utah blitz.
The money was donated by 14,612 contributors across the state to nonprofits with various missions, from Shakespearean plays to rescuing puppies.
The charities also participated in a contest for the most unique donors in four categories: small, medium and large nonprofits, and schools.
First-place winners in each category were awarded an additional $10,000, with $5,000 for second place and $2,500 for third place. The categories were determined by budget size.
In the large nonprofit category, rescued animals won big. First and second place awards went to Humane Society of Utah and Best Friends Animal Society, respectively. Third place went to And Justice for All, a legal aid nonprofit that serves disadvantaged populations.
In schools, Salt Lake Arts Academy won first place, while Salt Lake School for the Performing Arts and Ogden School Foundation followed.
Utah Museum of Contemporary Art won in the medium category, and Grassroots Shakespeare Company won in small nonprofits.