It was a grand finish to an already successful 24-hour campaign as YJ4L pride, joy and spirit came together in support of BW Gives with an impressive total of $500,639.
The March 22-23 campaign included participation by approximately 850 donors and surpassed the original goal of $460,000. Adding to the success were 48 dollar-for-dollar matching gifts that yielded $230,000 and roused donor enthusiasm, especially in the final hours.
"We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of our donors who made this year's BW Gives an amazing success. Together - as alumni, trustees, friends, foundations, faculty, staff and current students and their families - we are changing lives in monumental ways," said Ellen Zegarra, vice president for philanthropy and alumni engagement.
"Each donor gift helps provide financial aid to deserving students and supports important initiatives for student success. The need for financial assistance is growing exponentially. Your gift can be transformational for prospective and current students facing financial hardship," emphasized Zegarra.
"This year's campaign saw increased participation from alumni and parents," she noted. "BW Gives enables alumni to pay it forward for the many ways BW benefitted them as students. Alumni giving also factors into some national rankings, so gifts are an additional way alumni can boost BW and share their YJ4L pride with the world.
"As BW continues to expand its reach in the region as well as nationally, the need for donor support increases. Your commitment to BW is pivotal in making Baldwin Wallace a nationally recognized teaching university whose graduates become today's and tomorrow's lauded innovators, leaders, educators, artists and global citizens," she added.
If you have already made a gift to BW Gives, thank you for your generosity. If you have not yet had time to donate, please consider making a gift today.