“Be Rich” campaign raises $55,000 for charity

The Bridge Church Pastor Patrick Ballington talks about the Be Rich campaign in 2019. Since the annual giving campaign started six years ago, the church has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to local individuals and organizations. (Dean Dyer/WRWH News)

This Sunday, The Bridge Church in Cleveland will conclude its annual “BE RICH” initiative with a celebration service that will include giving $55,400 to local non-profit and community organizations.

For the past 6 years, The Bridge Church has committed to giving 100% of the donations received during the first week of BE RICH to local organizations they partner with throughout the year.

Including this year, The Bridge has given away over $211,647 to local organizations through this special campaign.

In addition to the financial support, The Bridge Church also provided volunteers who have given hundreds of hours of service to many of these organizations during the BE RICH series. The church has also distributed hundreds of shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child that will be filled with gifts and returned to the church by November 20 to be sent to children worldwide during Christmas.

This year’s recipients include Catalyst Christian Learning Center, Amped Up Kids, Family Promise of White & Habersham, White County Family Connections, Back-Pack Buddies, His Hands & Feet Food Distribution, Bridges of Hope, NEGA Christian Counseling, Community Recovery Center for Women, Freedom Hill Recovery for Women, Jericho House Revery for Men, City of Refuge, Men Opposing Sex Trafficking, House of Cherith Recovery for Victims of Sex Trafficking, Sacred Roots Farm for Victims of Sex Trafficking, Whispering Angels Youth Ranch, International Bridge Coalition serving Ukrainian refugees, and White County Teachers.

The public is invited to attend the celebration service in person or online on November 6 at 10:45 a.m. when checks will be given to representatives of these organizations. The church is located at 607 Hulsey Road in Cleveland.