ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA – On Saturday, April 6, join the Winthrop community for
its first Giving Day.
Giving Day will be a 24-hour celebration of the Winthrop family and an opportunity to show support to students and the university. Shannon Brown, annual philanthropy manager, said the university’s aim has always been to provide a contemporary, collaborative and supportive environment for students. An opportunity like Giving Day helps realize those goals.
“We raise funds to provide innovative initiatives and programs that foster engaged student learning and development. It is our mission to raise funds needed to enhance the educational experiences of all students,” Brown said.
The university historically has leaned heavily on financial contributions from alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff and friends to advance student support. Giving Day hopes to tap into this dedicated donor community to boost giving efforts.
The fundraising event takes place in conjunction with Winthrop Day, an annual event for newly admitted students to discover what makes Winthrop special and to experience what Eagle pride is all about. Students and families take part in spirited activities such as campus tours and meeting with student organizations; they also take first looks at academic departments. Alumni and friends all over the world also take part in the festivities by wearing garnet and gold and by sharing posts and pictures via social media.
Organizers of the fundraising effort hope to build on the excitement and momentum of Winthrop Day with a fundraising element that will inspire new and existing donors to give back to the university.
“We are calling on the support of Winthrop friends to make this day of giving count,” Brown said. “Our goal for Giving Day is donor participation in philanthropy, and to demonstrate the impact each one of us can collectively make in the lives of Winthrop students,” she added.
Giving Day will rely on high-spirited supporters to cheer on the fundraising initiative by pushing out the word via their social media networks. You can become a part of the supporter effort by downloading the Giving Day toolkit.
Donors can make a gift to any area they choose to support Winthrop. Donations for Giving Day will be accepted beginning April 1 via phone at 800/801-1083 and online at winthrop.edu/advancement/make-a-gift.aspx.
On April 6, gifts will only be accepted online.
The Winthrop Leadership Society is extending its $100K Challenge into the Giving Day celebration.
For more information about Giving Day, please contact, Shannon Brown, annual philanthropy manager, at brownsr@winthrop.edu or visit winthrop.edu/advancement/giving-day.aspx.
For more information about the Winthrop Leadership Society, please contact Vice President Evan Bohnen or Associate Vice President RJ Gimbl with the Division of University Advancement at 803/323-2275 or toll-free 800/801-1083.
