For those dubious of 24-hour online fundraising campaigns, check out United Way National Capital Area’s most recent Do More 24 event held last Thursday: It raised $1.4M and had over 600 DC area nonprofits participate (not all raised funds). This is up from the $1.1M raised last year for 560 nonprofits. The number of donors rose slightly from 11,358 last year to 11,410. United Way NCA president Rosie Allen-Herring said she was thrilled with how the fundraiser has grown, allowing nonprofits “to do more for neighbors in need.” She’s with United Way NCA board chair Ted Davies, checking out the over 1,000 shoeboxes stuffed with essentials for 20 nonprofits helping the homeless, veterans, disconnected youth and others in need.

United Way NCA, with the help of corporate sponsors, awarded $82,500 in cash prizes for organizations that hit certain milestones. Year Up – National Capital Region (above) raised the most of the large organizations and Little Lights Urban Ministries raised the most in the small organizations category. Several animal rescue organizations took home prizes, including Homeward Trails Animal Rescue, Friends of Homeless Animals and Operation PAWS for Homes. Reboot Recovery won the newcomer award. The faith-based organization was launched in 2011 and helps soldiers struggling with combat trauma.