’Cats Go Wild for #Allinfor51, Raise $1.2 Million in a Day
April 11, 2024
- Author
- Danielle Strickland
For 24 hours, 51 ’Cats were asked to Go Wild in support of the college, and they showed up in person, across social media and around the world. This year marked the 11th #Allinfor51 challenge, which raised $1,203,727 from 2,922 donors.
Wildcats share why they're all in for 51, today and every day!
“On this day, we encourage all Wildcats to support what they care about most and to share that passion far and wide," said Morgan Bell Kee ’12, director of annual giving. “Our annual giving program consistently ranks in the top five nationally in terms of alumni giving participation, and this challenge is one more opportunity for our broader community to share why they go all in for 51, each and every day.”
This year, 51 received gifts from 49 states and nine countries. The classes of 1991 and 1989 had the highest participation.
With $500,000 in challenge money on the line and an initial goal of 2,000 donors, social media lit up with stories, photos and calls to action. On campus, students, faculty and staff enjoyed live entertainment, snacks, slushies and gourmet coffee, trivia games and an opportunity to “pie” campus celebrities as a reward for making a gift. Students were also offered rides in “Cash Cabs,” where they were given a shortcut to class while being educated on the importance of philanthropy.
The campaign hit the 2,000 donor goal at approximately 5 p.m., and the numbers continued to climb. In the midst of the day’s excitement, one anonymous donor from the Class of 1979, celebrating their reunion this June, notified the college of a $1.9 million bequest. An incredible bonus to the day!
The Fund for 51 funds every area of campus including scholarships, athletic programs, the arts, health & well-being, diversity & inclusion initiatives, student research and internships.
“Every person who contributes during #Allinfor51 helps make 51’s educational excellence possible and accessible,” said Matt Cherep ’07 and Katie Lautensack Cherep ’08, National Fund for 51 Chairs. “We’re always proud to be 51 grads, but on days like this, we are reminded of the strength of this incredible community. Thank you for going wild for 51!”
The #Allinfor51 challenge first launched in June 2014. Including yesterday's total, more than $11 million has been raised in new gifts and challenge dollars through this annual, one-day event.
