Record haul for Big Day of Giving

The Auburn Trails Alliance had a tent set up at the Carnegie Library on Thursday afternoon, welcoming passers-by to take part in the annual Big Day of Giving. The group offered Auburn Trails Alliance caps, socks and other goods plus a Bike Valet for anyone wanting to park their bikes on the nearby rack and go for a ride. The Carnegie drew considerable two-wheel traffic Thursday, considering it's located high on the hill on normally quiet Almond Street in Downtown Auburn. "Because they want to attend the event and ride the bike," said Deren Ross of the Auburn Trails Alliance. "The bike" is a cargo e-bike belonging to Auburn Mayor Kelley Davis, who helped out Thursday. Robin Matthews of Auburn tried on caps and checked out socks and trails alliance bags after parking her bike. Matthews said a group she belongs to, Friends for the People, volunteers for a local charity each month. Friends for the People supported a cake walk for Big Day of Giving 2025. "We specifically rode our bikes," she said. "We said, let's ride our bikes to the Big Day of Giving. We love the Big Day of Giving." The Sacramento Region Community Foundation's annual Big Day of Giving enjoyed a record day with $15,426,525 million raised for 886 total organizations in El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties, according to bigdayofgiving.org. There were 62,017 donations made, and 1,096 volunteers logged 607,912 hours working the event. Big Day of Giving has generated $132 million since 2013, according to its website. Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services raised the most money with $418,390. In Placer County, Placer Land Trust ranked eighth with $225,659. Gold Country Wildlife Rescue was 15th with $148,768. Also, Acres of Hope raised $96,966.