‘Manchester Bold’ Giving Day Raises Over $187,000
Alyx Buffenbarger
Manchester celebrated Giving Day on April 19 with a goal of raising $200,000 for the Manchester Fund. While they didn’t quite make their goal; they still raised over $187,000 from 319 donors. Every donation given to Manchester lets the university give back to students.
This year’s theme was “Manchester Bold,” and donors gave boldly, too. Megan Sarber, director of Alumni Relations, was pleased with the day. “The generosity from the Manchester community (alumni, students, friends, faculty and staff) continue to amaze us each year,” she said via email. “We added a feature to the Giving Day website this year where donors could comment what inspires them to give. It was heartwarming to read these messages throughout the day. We even had a 104-year-old woman make a gift online!
On the website, donations ranged from $10,000 to $6 (both anonymous). Many alumni and current students expressed their appreciation for Manchester in their comments.
“I want to support current and future students who will gain so much from a Manchester education,” wrote alumnus Kevin Hochstedler. Many alumni gave for the same reason, to improve the experience and education of Spartans and their future friends.
“Manchester helped me achieve my career goals and I am grateful for all of the opportunities I have had during my time on campus,” wrote alumnus Eric Beard.
Kyle Grubbs, alumna and admissions counselor, wrote, “The world needs more Manchester graduates,” echoing one of outgoing President McFadden’s favorite refrains. The donations to the Manchester Fund directly impact students, from offering them financial aid to renovating buildings for their comfort.
People could donate in a variety of ways. Many students were persuaded to donate $3 to obtain access to the Cordier Auditorium roof. Students climbed up to the roof and took pictures to savor the memory and brag to those down on the ground.
The upcoming graduates of the class of 2023 were crowned winners after donating the most gifts.
The second biggest part of Giving Day was the Parking Lot party. Sarber said she worked with Student Life “to bring awareness to this day,” as she put it. Students gathered in the parking lot outside of the Jo Young Switzer Center to listen to music, enjoy some food, and play games that quickly became competitions.
The water balloon toss became increasingly popular as students tried to outdo one another to have the most over-the-top throws. Balloons flew through the air, going higher and higher until they hit the ground—or soaked a student. Some of the smaller games included golf, cup pong, a spin-to-win wheel, and bozo bucket, a game which tested students’ ability to toss a ball in buckets at increasing distances.
After winning any game or getting lucky at the wheel, students were rewarded with raffle tickets. The most popular prize available was a Manchester themed windbreaker followed by a set of Manchester sweaters.
Beginning in the early evening, Manchester students gave for Giving Day in another way, through a service project. By pulling weeds and picking up around campus, students worked to make Manchester look beautiful. This service project wrapped up most of the Giving Day events and allowed students to give back in a non-monetary way.
Overall, Giving Day was full of laughter and generosity. The donors raised more than money: they also raised spirits.