Read To Succeed is once again participating in The Big Payback, a region-wide, 24-hour online giving event created to help Middle Tennessee nonprofits raise funds vital to continue their work, which directly improves the community around them. This is the third year that Read To Succeed is taking part in the event. Last year, Read To Succeed raised nearly $3,000. With these additional funds Read To Succeed is able to provide programs and events to promote and improve literacy in Rutherford County.

The charitable event, presented by The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, will being at midnight on Tuesday, May 3 and runs for 24 hours. Once the clock starts, anyone can visit TheBigPayback.org or www.readtosucceed.org and make donations to Read To Succeed and other participating nonprofits, including schools and religious institutions, that serve the 40 counties of Middle Tennessee. Donors can view and select from participating organization based on location and focus area, such as animals, education, healthcare and more, and support multiple nonprofits with gifts ranging from $10 and up.

"As Murfreesboro's population continues to grow, the need for literacy services also grows. Events, such as The Big Payback, help us raise the funds needed to help more children and adults improve their literacy skills." - Lisa Mitchell, Read To Succeed, Executive Director,

The Big Payback has seen remarkable growth from its inaugural event in 2014. That year, $1,492,492.50 was raised for 525 nonprofits. In one day's time, more than 11,600 gifts were made to organizations focused on health and human services, animal welfare, the arts and more.

In 2015, the amount raised increased to more than $2.65 million supporting 755 Middle Tennessee nonprofits.

Gifts from the public during The Big Payback will be boosted with funds from sponsors of the event, which will provide opportunities for Read To Succeed to vie for financial incentives and additional prizes. The online leaderboard, at TheBigPayback.org, will track donations in real time.

"Nonprofits do important, life-changing work every day across Middle Tennessee," said Ellen Lehman, president of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. "The Big Payback has become an exciting opportunity for us to come together as a community to support their efforts and recognize the positive impact they have on our neighbors. It's an easy, fun and a meaningful way for us to show our local pride and give back, and make a really big impact in the process."

For more information, visit TheBigPayback.org.

About Read To Succeed www.readtosucceed.org