Feb 19, 2018 |
The St. Bonaventure University community proved once again what it can do together in a single day by raising more than $387,000 during the third annual #BonaGivingDay, setting a record for the greatest number of online gifts received in one day and the largest online daily gift total in the history of the university.
On Feb. 8, alumni, students, faculty, staff, parents and friends from around the world showed their Bona pride by joining in the 24-hour giving blitz to The Bonaventure Fund in support of today’s students.
“Participation was tremendous,” said Alan Riddle, development officer for Annual Giving. “The Bona Nation came together for the students and outdid all past efforts. Every year when I think we can’t go any further, alumni always manage to come through. They continue to stand out.”
Friendly alumni challenges generated excitement throughout the daylong event and highlighted its “Rise to the Challenge” theme, said Riddle.
The more than $387,000 represents 947 total gifts, with 81 first-time donors, 122 young alumni donations, and 13 new members to the $1,000+ Devereux Giving Societies. The Giving Day also set new record totals for online giving in one day, generating 889 online gifts worth more than $170,000.
“At St. Bonaventure, we develop people who are socially aware, who care about the world, and who care about others,” said Dr. Dennis R. DePerro, president of the university. “That proud legacy continues through the positive actions of our alumni, who are contributing to the world in so many different ways and who always remember their Bonaventure roots and the students here today.”
Gifts made during #BonaGivingDay support The Bonaventure Fund, which helps to expand financial aid, fund academic programs, attract and retain faculty, and infuse technology across campus.
The fundraising event was held in conjunction with Homecoming Weekend and featured several events, including The Selfie Scavenger Hunt for students on Feb. 8, and Bona Pride Day and the Thank a Bonnie event on Feb. 9, with students taking to social media to share their thanks with alumni.
For more information about The Bonaventure Fund or to learn how to be part of #BonaGivingDay next year, please contact the Office of Annual Giving at (716) 375-2328.
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About the University: The nation’s first Franciscan university, we believe in the goodness of every person and in the ability of every person to do extraordinary things. St. Bonaventure University cultivates graduates who are confident and creative communicators, collaborative leaders and team members, and innovative problem solvers who are respectful of themselves, others, and the diverse world around them. Named the #5 best college value in the North by U.S. News and World Report, we are establishing pathways to internships, graduate schools and careers in the context of our renowned liberal arts tradition.