Alumni, faculty and staff, students, parents, and friends of Keene State College really came through. When the Annual Giving Team called for 200 donors to contribute at least $5 each to support KSC students on Giving Tuesday – December 2 – the College community took up the challenge, with 325 people reaching into their pockets to help students. The donor total brought in an additional $2,000 in incentive donations - $1,000 from Bob Baines ’68 when the 200 mark was passed and another $1,000 from President Anne E. Huot and Dr. Joanne Cepelak when the number reached 250. The contributions totaled $26,733.22. Many thanks to all who donated!
It’s Giving Tuesday, and student Phonathon callers and Keene State gift processors are gearing up for a busy day.
“You could call it a 24-hour donation blast,” says Director of Annual Giving Lori Zaniboni of the global day to celebrate generosity and to give. “This is a great opportunity to show pride in Keene State and to help students in a very direct way.” Zaniboni is heading up the effort to encourage the College’s alumni and friends to come together to contribute something more to Keene State – and to do so by midnight tonight.
Alumnus Bob Baines ’68, a University System of New Hampshire trustee and the former mayor of Manchester, is standing by, checkbook in hand. He’s promised to donate $1,000 if 200 people donate at least $5 each to the College today.
The challenge ups the ante over last year, when Keene State President Anne E. Huot offered to contribute $1,000 when a goal of 100 donations was met. The Annual Giving team reached that goal by mid-afternoon, and then, with the help of Phonathon callers, brought in an additional 50 donations to collect another $500 from President Huot. By 11:59 p.m., 164 people had donated a total of $19,127.12 – all in one day, all to help students.
“Please donate to the school you love,” says senior Shannon Daley, one of the students who work the phonathon lines, calling alumni to encourage them to make a difference by giving to the College. “Then come back to campus and see firsthand how your donation has impacted students more than you ever thought it could.”
Impacted how? Just to name a few ways, contributions help make it possible for students to work with faculty on research projects, to undertake internships and field experience, and to study abroad. They help purchase equipment for athletic teams, support the work of academic departments, and provide scholarship funds.
Ask Keene State donors why they contribute to the College, and you’ll hear a variety of responses: The College speaks to my heart as well as my brain. I have a duty to the next generation of Keene State students. I want to ensure that the Dance Department can continue its highest level of teaching. What I learned at Keene State made me successful in my career. I want current students to be able to create the same amazing friendships and memories that I did. I give back because it’s the right thing to do.
Donate at least $5 today, and you can be part of the Giving Tuesday wave. Please consider a gift to the KSC Fund, which supports scholarships and financial aid, or check out the 500-plus funds that you can support with your donation.
Watch the Giving Tuesday video then make a contribution by calling 603-358-2923 or donating online.
