In a period of 36 hours, the University of Idaho raised more than $400,000 during Vandal Giving Day.
James Brownson, director of Annual Giving, said they received more than 1,000 gifts.
“The dollar amount is very important, but also the number of donors is important too,” he said.
This was the first year that the event took place. Brownson said they wanted to reach a younger audience, and used a variety of tactics to do so, including the use of social media.
“It was an opportunity to reach out on the communication channels they use today,” he said.
Another group that was involved in the organization and execution of the event was the Student Alumni Relations Board (SArb). Trevor Kauer, president of SArb, said that he thought that the event taking place at the Idaho Commons was a big draw as well.
Kauer said the event involved a dunk tank, videos and various other activities to give back to the university.
One of the biggest hits, Kauer said, was the dunk tank. The dunk tank was both a fundraiser and an opportunity for students to dunk various leaders from around campus. It raised more than $800 alone.
For Kauer, securing the dunk tank was the biggest challenge while organizing the event.
“You’d be surprised how hard it is to find a dunk tank,” he said. “We wanted to stay here in the Palouse, and we finally found one and brought it to campus.”
Neither Kauer nor Brownson was surprised at the success. They both said the loyalty of Vandal alumni contributed heavily to the great turnout.
“Many of the long-term donors promised to match gifts or throw in extra money,” Kauer said.
Brownson said they exceeded their benchmark goals for the event.
“It just picked up momentum and grew over time,” Brownson said.
Most of the money raised went toward scholarships, but different colleges get to decide exactly how to spend their donated money, Brownson said. Everything from the general scholarship fund, to the college of agricultural science, to the Vandal Marching Band participated.
“The funds will be available pretty soon,” Brownson said. “Financial aid will start pulling money out of the general scholarship fund for spring semester.”
One improvement Brownson said he wants to make for next year is the timing of the fundraiser. He said he thought it could be even more successful if it took place in the spring instead of the fall.
“We weren’t able to engage as many student groups as we would have liked because of summer break,” he said.
Kauer said he also wants to get more students involved. He’s looking forward to the event next year.
“We were really happy with how it went, and we’re excited to do it again,” Kauer said.
Carly Scott
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