Meredith College Exceeds $1 Million Giving Day Goal
By Emily Parker
Meredith College Exceeds $1 Million Giving Day Goal
By Emily Parker
Meredith College raised $1,349,106 in just 24 hours during the College’s eighth annual Make It Count for Meredith Giving Day, held on February 28, 2023. The fundraising event exceeded its $1 million fundraising goal by more than $300,000, and a total of 2,764 donors contributed to the campaign. It was reported initially that a total of $1,329,823 was raised but additional dollars were received that were not given through the Giving Day website.
The $1 million goal was met at 7:30 p.m. after an anonymous donor gave a $100,000 gift. Alumnae, parents and families, faculty and staff, friends, and students continued to give and several matching gift challenges in the evening built momentum until the end of the day, which showed our students how alumnae and donors support their education.
Gifts could be designated to any fund. The college’s greatest needs, other funds designated by the donor, study abroad, scholarships and financial aid, and athletics were the top five funds supported during the 24-hour period.
As in past years, donors were asked to make a gift in honor of a strong woman or group of strong women in their lives. Many donors shared whom they honored on social media by holding a Giving Day sign or sharing videos and using the #MakeItCount4mc. Social media also stayed active throughout the day with videos from President Jo Allen, ʼ80, Director of the Meredith Fund Jean Gambrill, ’19, MBA, Vice President for College Programs Jean Jackson, ’75, Director of Alumnae Relations Hilary Allen, ʼ01, Alumnae Association President Courtney Allen, ʼ10, ’22 (MBA) and phonathon students who updated the audience on giving totals, announced challenges, and encouraged donors to honor a strong woman with their gifts. By the end of the day, donors represented 4 countries, 43 states, and Washington, D.C.
Gift agents, ambassadors, Meredith Fund Advisory Board members, Alumnae Board members, and Young Alumnae Board members also supported the day. A total of 191 volunteers contributed to the success of Giving Day and engaged their classmates and fellow alumnae.
“I am so thankful for our donors on Giving Day,” said Gambrill. “They showed our students that they care about their education and learning outside of the classroom. Every gift will help our students, and that is the goal of this special day.”
See totals, gift designations, and class leaderboards from Giving Day 2023.