Team Milan Takes First Place in Philanthropy Playoffs; All Teams Take Home Awards

The first-ever Philanthropy Playoffs ended Oct. 2 with cheers, laughter, and high-fives inside Pin Seekers Monroe. More than 180 community members gathered for the giving challenge hosted by the Community Foundation of Monroe County (CFMC) that brought together local nonprofits, sponsors, and fans for a night of spirited competition and collective impact.

That evening, the foundation awarded more than $135,000 to 11 teams, representing nonprofits and community causes throughout Monroe County. Two teams were from Milan, including first place winner Team Milan, earning them a bonus $5,000 CFMC grant, raising more than $33 thousand dollars. Team Milan was raising money for vocational scholarships that can be tailored to students’ needs for training or tools and could be either for young graduates or returning students.

Another Milan Team, Milan Area Historical Society, raised more than $6,000 for capital improvements at the Hack House, including the roof and foundation.

The eight-week challenge pitted 12 teams with 12 missions against each other. It started in August and continued through Oct. 2 when the teams had their final live showdown at Pin Seekers in Monroe. 

Team Cycling Without Age earned second place and the bonus $2,500 CFMC grant. Every participating organization received a share of the community “Fan Fund,” which was comprised of donations from dedicated community members, proportionate to their points.

“The Philanthropy Playoffs were never just about dollars; it was about discovery,” said Valerie Orr, executive director of the Community Foundation of Monroe County, which houses the Greater Milan Area Community Fund. “When a community comes together like this, we get to see what we truly care about. We saw laughter, teamwork, generosity, and joy in the same room. The Foundation exists to nurture that year-round.”

This article was updated with additional information.