The Great Charity Challenge sponsored by Fidelity Investments® (GCC), proudly hosted by Wellington International, is thrilled to share the life-changing results of its 2026 edition—made possible by the extraordinary generosity of our donors, sponsors and community.
This year’s event distributed over $2 million to 87 local Palm Beach County nonprofits on Saturday, January 31, 2026, reaching more than 230,000 lives from vulnerable veterans and at-risk youth to rescued animals and thriving young artists.
Thanks to Wellington International’s generosity in covering all event costs, 100% of every donation goes directly to the causes it supports. To view the full report, please click here. Below are just a few stories that capture this year’s impact:
- The Soup Kitchen, Inc. – Nourishing Body and Future: Taking 1st place in the inaugural costume relay race, The Soup Kitchen’s $14,000 grant fueled its grassroots outreach. From culinary training for young adults with learning differences to hot, nutritious meals delivered to 120 homebound seniors through its Meals on Wheels program.
- Marine Toys for Tots Foundation – Gifts of Joy and Possibility: A grant funded the purchase of 2,188 new toys for children across the West Palm Beach area, ensuring families facing financial hardship could give their kids something to unwrap and believe in. More than 1,094 children received age-appropriate gifts that encourage creativity, play and a sense that their community sees them.
- Cox Science Center and Aquarium – Curiosity for All: A $12,000 grant powered the Museums for All program, opening the doors of hands-on science learning to 4,801 community members from low-income households, including nearly 2,000 children who might never otherwise set foot inside a science center.
- Restoration Bridge International – Rescuing Food, Restoring Dignity: A grant kept Restoration Bridge International’s mobile distribution program on the road by covering fuel, fleet maintenance and logistics. This enabled the rescue and redistribution of more than 200,000 pounds of fresh food that would otherwise have gone to waste, reaching over 10,000 individuals facing food insecurity across Palm Beach County.
Complimentary reports highlight impact beyond the competition arena, spotlighting signature initiatives that continue to expand the GCC’s reach:
- Now in its 6th year, The Volunteer Initiative, originally launched by the Dennis M. and Lois A. Doyle Family Foundation, is proudly supported by Dana Murphy, Keller Williams Wellington, in partnership with the GCC. This year’s 120 video submissions helped distribute $94,000 across 21 grassroots nonprofits, thanks to the support of everyday heroes across Palm Beach County.
- The inaugural costume relay race, presented by the Postage Stamp Farm Foundation and Artemis Farms, brought “doing good at any age” to life. A spirited, kid-powered competition that distributed $57,000 to six local nonprofits.
- New this year: Partnership Grants, introduced at the GCC’s roundtable event, awarded eight $5,000 grants to spark first-time collaborations between local nonprofits, including a pairing of FoundCare and Restoration Bridge International that combined pediatric dental care with food distribution, reaching hundreds of families in a single initiative.
Save the Date: 18th Annual Great Charity Challenge
Looking ahead, Wellington International invites the community to save the date for the 18th Annual Great Charity Challenge sponsored by Fidelity Investments®, to be held on Saturday, February 6, 2027, at Wellington International. Our goal is to distribute an additional $2 million to local nonprofit organizations in Palm Beach County.
A Tradition of Transparency and Transformation
Since 2009, the GCC has served as a catalyst for community-driven philanthropy, distributing more than $26,7 million to 388 local Palm Beach County nonprofits. This legacy is made possible by donors who choose to make a tangible difference. Supported by a lottery-style, impartial selection process and fully underwritten by Wellington International, every dollar donated goes directly to charity.
Get Involved
Organizations, sponsors and individuals interested in participating in or supporting the 2027 event can visit www.greatcharitychallenge.com or contact [email protected].
Together, let’s keep building a stronger Palm Beach County – one story, one grant and one act of generosity at a time.
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- By @concha_solutions
