By JAMES BELL
Hays Post
Tuesday marks the annual Fort Hays State University Giving Day, an opportunity for alumni and friends of the university to support various campus organizations and groups.
“This is a 24-hour fundraising event that supports all areas of campus,” said Carolyn Tatro, Fort Hays State University alumni engagement strategist.
“This is a great opportunity to donate to that fund because, again, donations will be matched,” Tatro said. “And so we potentially at Fort Hays could have an opportunity to get about roughly $5 million for student scholarships.”
But for those looking to direct their gift to other specific areas of the university, 61 other projects are available to donate to during the day, including FHSU colleges, departments and student organizations.
FHSU’s Greatest Need is also available, allowing FHSU to determine the best use of the gift.
“And so if you cannot decide what area you would like to support, you can kind of put that money in an unrestricted fund, and we'll use it in somewhere on campus that needs it the most,” Tatro said. “And the needs change from year to year. So there's always an opportunity to help.”
Last year, during the second annual Giving Day, “810 Tiger fans from 40 states came together to invest in areas across campus that were in need of financial support,” according to the FHSU Foundation. “Many donors elected to support more than one project leading to just under 1,000 gifts.”
“Gifts started rolling in early in the morning, and the momentum continued throughout the entire day,” said Jason Williby, president and CEO of the FHSU Foundation, after last year’s Giving Day. “When the last online donation was made Thursday evening, I had goosebumps. Fort Hays State University has once again united to strengthen our mission. We are extremely grateful for the outpouring of support from those who made a gift to those who helped spread the word about Giving Day. The impact of our collective giving will be felt for years to come.”
Like last year, those that donate through the day will receive a thank you item.
“Every gift will make a difference,” Tatro said. “But as we have done in the past couple of years, if you contribute $10 or more, there are opportunities to get some cool Tiger swag. We have stickers, coasters, and a really cool-looking tea towel. So, you know, there's a little bit of something in this for everybody, but every single gift on the website will make a difference.”
And while Giving Day is officially April 18, the dedicated donation website has already been launched, and over 500 gifts totaling over $65,000 have been recorded.
To find out more or to give, visit the dedicated FHSU Giving Day website, fhsugivingday.com.