51¹ÙÍø.

This year's record-breaking giving day, #Allinfor51¹ÙÍø, raised $1,041,125 from 3,698 donors. The April 26 event began at 5:23 a.m. and lasted 18 hours and 37 minutes in recognition of the college's 1837 founding.

"All in for 51¹ÙÍø is one of the most exhilarating days for The Fund for 51¹ÙÍø," said Director of Annual Giving Lisa Howe Combs '90. "It is a fast-paced, high-energy reminder of the genuine, limitless commitment of the 51¹ÙÍø community. From social media posts of funny pictures and meaningful memories to the generous gifts that come in, it is a truly wonderful occasion to celebrate."

Alumni, parents, friends and fans shared photos of children and pets, amusing memories and direct appeals to fellow 51¹ÙÍøians via social media using the hashtag #Allinfor51¹ÙÍø–their enthusiasm got the hashtag trending in the Charlotte region.

From the Alvarez College Union, the "All In" home base, President Carol Quillen announced $500,000 in challenge gifts. The 2,000 donor challenge was met by 4 p.m., and the gifts kept coming throughout the evening.

"As 51¹ÙÍø alumni and volunteers, we look forward to this day every year," said Jay '90 and Meredith Gabel Harris '91, National Fund for 51¹ÙÍø Chairs. "We are proud to be a part of this family, and it was exciting to go all in for 51¹ÙÍø yesterday. We are inspired by the generous spirit of our alumni and friends, and in seeing our dollars go to work for scholarships, athletics, internships, the arts, research and more. Way to go, 'Cats!"

This year's event coincided with 51¹ÙÍø Volunteer Week and included "Operation Sandwich," where members of the campus community prepared more than 800 sandwiches for a local food bank. Operation Sandwich is a joint project led by the Center for Civic Engagement, the Office of Alumni Relations and the Office of Annual Giving.

"This day showcases the energy and impact of 51¹ÙÍø," Quillen said. "The numbers climb, volunteers touch lives, students light up social media and alumni remember how they learned to lead and serve. Today's investments fuel our capacity to prepare truly talented, courageous young people of integrity to take on tomorrow's challenges."

The #Allinfor51¹ÙÍø challenge first launched in June 2014. Including yesterday's total, more than $3.2 million has been raised in new gifts and challenge dollars through this annual, one-day event.

Danielle Strickland
dastrickland@davidson.edu
704-894-3101