A preliminary report by the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan indicates that nearly $4.8 million in funds were secured in under 12 hours during the Arts & Culture Challenge earlier this month. Thanks to a strong outpouring of support from donors and promotions by the 75 participating organizations, and despite technical issues with the online giving site, the results surpassed the CFSEM's goal of $3 million.

The seven participating arts and culture organizations in Washtenaw County raised more than $380,000 (nearly 8%) of the $4.8 million total. The breakdown:

• The Arts Alliance: $17,055
• Leslie Science and Nature Center: $41,132
• Performance Network: $47,513
• Purple Rose Theatre Company: $38,580
• University Musical Society: $167,250
• University of Michigan (Exhibit Museum of Natural History, Henry Ford Estate [part of UM-Dearborn], Museum of Art): $70,568 (these funds still need to be allocated between the three groups)

"This groundbreaking effort not only provides much needed funds for the participating members of the Cultural Alliance, but also helped organizations effectively use social media tools such as Twitter and Facebook to communicate with existing supporters, and reach new audiences," said Maud Lyon, president of the Cultural Alliance of Southeastern Michigan.

Chrysta Cherrie is the entertainment producer/copy editor for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at chrystacherrie@annarbor.com or 734-623-2526, and follow her on Twitter @chrystacherrie.