Giving Hearts Day was launched in 2008 by the Dakota Medical Foundation and is a 24-hour online fundraiser for a handful of health-related nonprofits in the service area of the former Dakota Hospital. As momentum grew, the number of donors and the number of charities participating have grown hand-in-hand. The event now encompasses all of North Dakota and parts of northwest Minnesota. Last year, 326 nonprofits and charitable causes participated and in 2017, more than 350 charities and causes are on board. Last year, there were 37,139 donations to 326 charities and causes and $8.3 million raised. On February 9 this year, you have 24 hours to go online and choose which charity you would like to donate to or help raise awareness through events and social media.