Georgia Southwestern surpasses Day of Giving goal raising more than $33,000 for students and facility improvements

Georgia Southwestern State University's (GSW) second annual Day of Giving, which ran midnight to midnight on Thursday, September 10, exceeded the initial goal of $25,000 netting $33,700.50 for the University.

In just the second year of hosting a Day of Giving, the total number of donors increased by nearly 65%. The 24-hour giving challenge was mostly focused online and through a social media-driven effort to bring the campus community together in an effort to raise money and showcase Hurricane pride. Last year's effort raised nearly $19,000.

"Each year, I am blown away by the energy and enthusiasm on our Day of Giving," said GSW President Neal Weaver, PhD. "I love seeing the Hurricane community come together to make a difference in the lives of students and the future of Georgia Southwestern. I am so grateful for the hard work of the committee and the unwavering support from our neighbors. Your contributions will continue to improve the University and enhance student success."

On this single-day campaign, Hurricanes around the country-alumni, community members, parents, friends, neighbors, faculty, staff and students-made gifts ranging from $5 to $5,000. Contributions were mostly directed to the Day of Giving's six funds which supported athletics, scholarships, student success in either academics or engagement, and facility improvements, among others.

Particular funds of interest this year were the Florrie Chappell Gymnasium and Griffin Bell Conference Center renovations acquiring nearly $7,000 each.

A total of 129 gifts rolled in from across Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina, Washington State, and even Canada. Out of the 120 donors, 21 were first-time donors. GSW alumni across numerous generations also showed their support, with the oldest alumni gift rolling in from the Class of 1950 and the most recent alumni gift coming from the Class of 2019.

"Georgia Southwestern's second annual Day of Giving was a great success," stated GSW Foundation Executive Director and Assistant Vice President for Advancement Stephen Snyder. "Thanks to the work of our committee, our donors, our community partners and our volunteers, we surpassed our fundraising goal by nearly 30 percent. In only its second year, the GSW Day of Giving has easily become one of my favorite days of the year. Seeing the Americus community rally around GSW, along with our alumni and friends out of town, makes me so proud to be a Hurricane."

Day of Giving Committee members included Stephen Snyder, Chelsea Collins, Sydney Scott, Angela Smith, Kim Comer, Stacy Dominick, Katie Hoffman, Signe Coombs, Bob Slenker, Lou Chase, Paula Martin, Nichole Buchanan, Kristi Weaver, and Qaijuan Willis.

Throughout the day, those wanting to support GSW on the Day of Giving in addition to online giving, dined at one of the participating local restaurants who donated a portion of their sales throughout the day to the campaign. The Day of Giving Committee expresses thanks to Café Campesino, Carter's Fried Chicken, The Farmhouse, The Fish House, Gyro City Mediterranean Grill, La Hacienda, Monroe's Hotdogs, Pat's Place, Roman Oven Pizzeria, The Sheppard House, Toboggan Steve's, Wok N Wings, and 2 Duke's BBQ for their generosity.

As another statement of support, Americus Mayor Barry Blount signed a proclamation on September 3 announcing Thursday, September 10, 2019 as the second annual Day of Giving, recognizing GSW as a vital asset to the community and economic growth.

Visit www.gsw.edu/dayofgiving for more information.