WVU's inaugural Day of Giving kicks off Wednesday (Nov. 8).
Donors to West Virginia University’s inaugural Day of Giving on Wednesday (Nov. 8) could see their investment grow immediately thanks to other generous University supporters.
Several alumni and friends have issued challenge and participation matches for the 24-hour online fundraising effort designed to raise dollars for the University’s greatest priorities and opportunities, as well as scholarships and unrestricted funds at both the University and unit specific level. Among them:
University-wide Matching Gift Opportunities
• $150,000 for 150 years: Thanks to alumnus Doug Van Scoy and wife, Pam, along with another donor who wishes to remain anonymous, all gifts will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to a total of $150,000.
• The Alexis and Jim Pugh Scholarship Match: With generous support from alumnus Alexis Pugh and husband, Jim, donations made to general scholarship funds on the Day of Giving will be matched up to a total of $25,000. This matching gift opportunity will begin at 8 a.m. ET on Nov. 8.
• The Marty and Kathy Becker Greatest Needs Match: A gift from alumnus Marty Becker and wife, Kathy, will match donations made to any Greatest Needs Fund on the Day of Giving up to a total of $25,000. This matching gift opportunity will begin at 8 a.m. ET on Nov. 8.
• Ken Kendrick Match: Alumnus Ken Kendrick will generously match the first 1,000 donations made of $150 or more (up to $150 per gift) for a total of $150,000. On the website this will appear as a challenge for us to receive 1,000 gifts of $150 or more.
University-wide
Participation Challenges
• Lunch Time Challenge, noon to 2 p.m. EST
The participating student group that receives the most donations during the Lunch Time Challenge will receive an extra $2,500 for its Greatest Needs Fund.
•Night Owl Challenge, 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. EST
The participating student group that receives the most donations during the Night Owl Challenge will receive an extra $2,500 for its Greatest Needs Fund.
The Lunchtime and Night Owl Challenges are supported by a generous donation from alumni Billy and Christie McCartney.
Beyond the University-wide special initiatives, many individual colleges and schools also have various matching gift opportunities and participation challenges. Donors are encouraged to check out the “Challenges” tab at the top of the WVU Day of Giving web site, https://dayofgiving.wvu.edu
“We couldn’t be more excited given the excitement and buzz so far leading up to this first-ever WVU Day of Giving,” said Mary Esposito, who is heading up the effort for the WVU Foundation. “It’s an excellent way to engage our alumni and supporters with several ways for them to get involved, while of course, raising money for WVU. We encourage everyone to make a gift, large or small. Every donation is important.”
All contributions made on the WVU Day of Giving count in the “State of Minds” Campaign. To date, $1.153 billion has been raised with the campaign ending Dec. 31.
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CONTACT: Mary Esposito, WVU
Foundation
304.284.4016; mesposito@wvuf.org