Pay It Forward 2026

October 20 is the day –

Some children have to ask – will I get to eat today? – is this where I sleep tonight? – will I see you when I wake up? – what happens to me next?

Thousands of children in North Carolina are waiting for an answer.

You can change that.

On Tuesday, October 20, pay forward the blessings in your life with a gift of security for someone else.

Do it in honor of the ones who loved you. Do it in honor of the ones you love.

Pay It Forward comes once a year, and it's special because your generosity goes *twice as far* with a matching gift – all day long! And when you give, you can designate your gift to the program closest to your heart.

Most important of all, you can show love – to the people you honor with your gift – and to the children who will benefit from your gift.

This special day of giving is all about gratitude, and we'd love to hear why you Pay It Forward!

Tell us about it here, and you'll show up in our Social tab, below.

And remember – generosity is contagious, so tell your friends!

Pay It Forward. Dream Big. Hang out with Ben.

Dream Big is our biggest event of the year, and the President's Table is the best in the house.

Ben Williams has saved two seats – and they could be yours!

When you Pay It Forward with a $1027 gift, you:

1. Enter the drawing. The Prize: 2 seats at the President’s Table as Ben’s VIP guests.
2. Double the good. We’ll match your gift dollar for dollar.
3. Celebrate Cassie. 10/27 is the birthday of Cassie Bright, our very first child in 1901. Your $1027 gift carries her story forward.

We will announce the winner on October 21!

*Dream Big is January 30 at the Washington Duke Inn in Durham*