Chowan’s First Ever Giving Day Shatters Expectations Raising $151,454
In its first year, Chowan University’s Day of Giving raised $151,454 from 545 donors. This is the inaugural year for a 24-hour higher education fundraising campaign. Under the mantle “Chowan Gives,” the university’s day of giving theme, the social media-based event on Wednesday, April 21 amazed the leadership of Chowan with the outpouring of support for the Christian higher education institution.
Donors from all over the United States and multiple countries made 638 gifts to support programs and scholarships that will impact students and faculty for years to come.
“This year, the Chowan family came together in a one-day outpouring of generosity and spirit that is truly humbling,” said Chowan President Kirk Peterson. “We are so grateful to the organizers and to everyone who donated for supporting this remarkable day so passionately.”
As part of the Chowan Gives program, students stopped by a tent outside the McDowell Columns Administration Building for gifts and to pose for pictures that were used to thank the many donors.
An aspect that generated additional excitement and conversation about the Day of Giving was several challenges by alumni and friends of Chowan. The Bucky and Jan Glover family of Monroe, NC offered a $25,000 challenge for the university to encourage new donors to make a gift. Once the university met their challenge, they made a $25,000 gift toward a new Chapel Worship Center that is being planned to be built on the university campus.
“I realize the importance of private giving,” Bucky Glover said. “My Chowan experiences far exceed what I’m giving back.”
Other challenges included Mick and Carol Outten of Ashland, VA with a $10,000 gift to support the Chowan Fund that meets the greatest needs on campus. Plus, Mayor Hal and Kay Thomas challenged others to make gifts in support of scholarships. An anonymous donor gave a challenge gift of $10,000 to encourage increased support of athletics.
Ranging in size from $5 to a $25,000 gift, gifts targeted an array of initiatives and programs, funding scholarships and student enrichment opportunities, and more. Approximately 90 percent of all gifts were made online.
Andy Wilson, Vice President for Advancement at Chowan University shared “this new program is an exciting addition to the university outreach, and in many ways, can become the heart of our philanthropy efforts at Chowan. Chowan’s Day of Giving shows just how special – how willing to pay it forward – our Chowan family is. Now, hundreds of individuals, along with businesses, choose to make an impact on this day through their giving. We are forever grateful.”
To learn more about Chowan’s Day of Giving or to see a list of supporters, visit givingday.chowan.edu.