CHINCOTEAGUE, VA - One week after the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company announced a $25,000 fundraising campaign to replace their "pony ambulance," an off-road vehicle that allows them to reach ponies in need on Assateague Island, they have reached their goal.
The fundraiser was launched and promoted on Facebook, allowing it to reach the broader pony community.
"A vast majority, probably 90%, of donations were from people who do not live here," Hunter Leonard with the Volunteer Fire Company said.
On Monday, an out-of-state donor anonymously committed to giving $8,500 if the fire company could raise $16,500. The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company updated its Facebook page about the anonymous commitment. Donors met that challenge by the end of the day.
"We're preserving a piece of American History," Leonard said of the outpouring of support. "They see us as the people that facilitate that, and to see their support, we don't expect it, but we're so grateful to have it."
Donations came from New Jersey, Maine, Illinois and many other U.S. states.
"Once that pony fever gets in your blood, there's no getting it out," Chincoteague Mayor Denise Bowden said of the fundraiser's wide reach.
Mayor Bowden said this is an example of using social media for good.
"It gives me great hope that there's still a whole lot of good in the world," Mayor Bowden said.
Donations to the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company's fundraiser continued Tuesday. Leonard said the fire company would reserve any funds that remain after purchasing the new vehicle to support the ponies in some capacity.
