The eighth annual Fairfield County’s Giving Day was another record-breaking effort.

Through the efforts of more than 14,000 donations, more than $2.25 million was raised for Fairfield County-based nonprofit organizations during the 24-hour period of Thursday, February 25.

For the seventh consecutive year, Stamford-based Curtain Call, Inc, was once again the lead fundraiser, finishing the effort with donation and prize funds totaling $121,648.

Newtown nonprofits participated again this year, raising more than $30,000 collectively.

Powered by Fairfield County’s Community Foundation (FCCF), Fairfield County’s Giving Day is the region’s largest annual philanthropic event.

The mission of the event is to raise as much money as possible for 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in 24 hours, all done through online donations. All are invited to support a favorite program, cause, or nonprofit through tax-deductible donations of at least $10. There is no maximum donation.

The one-day regional effort harnesses the collective power of individuals, friends, families, businesses, employee groups, school groups, and others to transform how people think about, talk about, and participate in giving.

Nonprofit organizations register through FCCF, which organizes Giving Day with major support from Bank of America. As of February 17, more than 350 organizations had registered. By February 25, with late registrations, that number had increased to 405 participants.

Sixteen Newtown nonprofits participated this year, raising a collective total of $31,123.

Newtown Parent Connection, with $9,419 registered by the end of the event, accounted for nearly one-third of the town’s fundraising total.

Real Food Share, participating for the first time, raised $3,405 for its programs and efforts dedicated to ending food insecurity.

The following Newtown local organizations also participated last week: Kitten Associates, with $3,819 donated; Ben’s Lighthouse, $2,225; Newtown Action Alliance Foundation, $1,895; Newtown Scholarship Association, $1,835; Merryhill Child Care Center, $1,815; and Cyrenius H. Booth Library, $1,566.

Also, Friends of Newtown Community Center, $1,426; Newtown Youth & Family Services, $1,156; The Children’s Adventure Center, $825; The Mary Hawley Foundation, $450; Sandy Hook Promise, $910; Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company, $202; The Exceptional Sidekick Service Dogs, $150; and EverWonder Children’s Museum, $25.

Participants not only collect donations from supporters, but are eligible for prizes based on Most Unique Donors, Most Dollars Raised, Employee Engagement, Rookie of The Year, and other financial bonuses.

Sponsors provided a bonus pool of more than $100,000 in prize money for participating nonprofits last week.

None of the local nonprofits won any of those prizes this year, according to the Fairfield County’s Giving Day prize board.

FCCF initiated Giving Day to empower the community at large and to encourage local philanthropy across the many avenues of need in the region.