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Marietta, Georgia, has once again been recognized as the most generous city in the United States, a title it has now claimed for the third time since 2019. This recognition comes from GoFundMe, the popular fundraising platform, which reported that Marietta had the highest number of donors per capita in 2024.
Residents of the “Gem City” celebrated the honor with a festive occasion on December 6, as they gathered at Marietta Square for the lighting of the city’s iconic 25-foot-tall white fir tree. The event marked not just the holiday season but also the city’s continued reputation for community spirit and charitable giving.
A Track Record of Generosity
Marietta’s generosity has consistently stood out in GoFundMe’s annual rankings. The city was ranked No. 1 in both 2019 and 2022, and although it placed second in 2021 and 2023, its return to the top spot in 2024 underscores the ongoing commitment of its residents to helping those in need.
Alongside Marietta, two other cities in Georgia also made GoFundMe’s top 10 list. Sandy Springs ranked seventh, while Alpharetta secured the fifth position. This collective recognition highlights the strong culture of giving that permeates the metro Atlanta area.
Community Spirit and Local Leadership
Marietta’s Mayor, Steve Tumlin, expressed his pride in the city’s generosity, noting that giving back has become an integral part of the community’s culture. “Support for your fellow man is what makes a city,” Mayor Tumlin remarked. “Benevolence and courtesy are contagious.” His words reflect the values that have earned Marietta its standing as a national leader in charitable contributions.
Notable Fundraisers in Marietta
Throughout 2024, Marietta residents have demonstrated their compassion through numerous fundraisers, contributing to a wide range of causes. GoFundMe’s annual report highlighted some of the most notable campaigns:
- Help Chris Peixoto and His Family – Over $93,000 was raised for Chris Peixoto, a senior at Lassiter High School who survived a tragic car crash in January 2024.
- Support Corey Anderson’s Family – A campaign to assist the family of U.S. Army veteran Corey Anderson, who passed away in October after a long battle with PTSD, raised more than $55,000.
- Honoring Ryan: Support Youth Sports – Following the death of his son Ryan Kowitz, Dave Kowitz raised over $18,000 to benefit local youth sports programs in memory of his son, a Walton High School graduate.
- In Loving Memory of McKayla Harshaw – After McKayla Harshaw tragically passed away in a car accident, her family raised over $20,000 to cover funeral and related expenses.
- Help Get Local Hero Isaiah Rogers to the Olympics – A campaign to assist Isaiah Rogers, a Kennesaw State University student and aspiring Olympian, raised over $6,500 to help him recover from a car accident and pursue his athletic dreams.
These fundraisers illustrate the depth of Marietta’s community support, where residents consistently come together to support individuals facing hardship.
The Broader Impact of Generosity
GoFundMe’s 2024 Year in Help report revealed that nationwide, over 42 million donations were made to individuals, while more than 23 million donations were directed toward nonprofit organizations. The average donation across all campaigns was approximately $77. Natural disaster relief efforts, in particular, saw a surge in generosity, with over $235 million raised globally to support recovery and aid.
The report also highlighted the power of local giving, with communities like Marietta playing a pivotal role in fostering a culture of compassion that extends well beyond city limits.
Conclusion
Marietta’s recognition as the most generous city in the U.S. for the third time reflects the deep sense of community and empathy that defines the city’s residents. From supporting local heroes to aiding families in crisis, Marietta continues to set an inspiring example of how collective action can create lasting impact. As the city celebrates this honor, it also serves as a reminder that generosity, at its core, strengthens the fabric of any community.
