Giving Hearts Day Raises Over $30 Million

Annual charity fundraiser in North Dakota surpasses previous year's total

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The annual Giving Hearts Day fundraising event in the Red River Valley region of North Dakota has raised over $30 million, according to Dakota Medical Foundation Executive Director Pat Traynor. This marks the second straight year the event has exceeded the $30 million milestone, with nearly 40,000 donors contributing. While last year saw several charities raise over $1 million each, this year's event featured 44 new participating charities.

Why it matters

Giving Hearts Day has become the single biggest day of charitable giving in the region, providing critical funding for a wide range of nonprofit organizations. The event's continued growth and ability to engage tens of thousands of donors highlights the generosity of the local community and the importance of supporting local causes.

The details

According to Traynor, last year's Giving Hearts Day raised over $31 million, with several charities surpassing the $1 million mark in donations. This year, the event again topped the $30 million threshold, with nearly 40,000 donors contributing. The 2026 event featured 44 new participating charities, expanding the reach and impact of the annual fundraiser.

  • Giving Hearts Day took place on February 13, 2026.
  • Last year's Giving Hearts Day raised over $31 million.

The players

Dakota Medical Foundation

A nonprofit organization that hosts the annual Giving Hearts Day fundraising event in the Red River Valley region of North Dakota.

Pat Traynor

The executive director of the Dakota Medical Foundation, who oversees the Giving Hearts Day event.

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What they’re saying

“Last year, we had several charities that were over a million dollars that they raised. Last year, we had six charities that were over a million and one other that was just $20,000 shy of a million.”

— Pat Traynor, Executive Director, Dakota Medical Foundation (am1100theflag.com)

“We have much to be thankful for.”

— Pat Traynor, Executive Director, Dakota Medical Foundation (am1100theflag.com)

“We featured charities all day long. There were gifts given, there were prizes. Donors came in and wrote more checks. I mean, it's just spectacular.”

— Pat Traynor, Executive Director, Dakota Medical Foundation (am1100theflag.com)

The takeaway

Giving Hearts Day has become a vital annual event for the Red River Valley community, demonstrating the region's strong commitment to supporting local charities and nonprofit organizations. The continued growth and success of the fundraiser underscores the generosity of the local population and the importance of community-driven initiatives that make a tangible difference in people's lives.