Campbell Giving Day sails past goal with record 2,744 gifts

November 15, 2024

Alumni, students, employees, parents and friends of the University accomplished the Campbell Giving Daygoal of 2,500 gifts on Nov. 13, Campbell Giving Day - collectively providing direct support to the institution's 36 participating schools, teams, and initiatives.

Camels from all demographics chipped in to the tune of the 2,744 gifts, a new Campbell Giving Day Record.

"We were aware when we set a goal of 2,500 gifts that it was ambitious, but we knew the Campbell community would be up to the task," said John Latteri, Interim VP for Advancement.

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"We had some unique challenges this year. Our state is still going through the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. That our alumni, friends, parents, students, and employees stepped up to meet our goal in a turbulent year - it speaks to the philanthropic spirit of this community."

Participation has always been the priority goal; donors are encouraged to make their gift to the school or program that means the most to them. The Office of Annual Giving looks for all ages and backgrounds in the Campbell community to simply participate. No gift is too small.

"This was my first Campbell Giving Day and I am overwhelmed by the generosity that flows from this community," said Cathy Dalton, Director of Annual Giving. "It truly takes a village to accomplish this goal and I am so thankful."

This year, students set an inspiring example on Campbell Giving Day with a record-shattering commitment to Swipe Out Student Hunger.

In 2023, the Office of Annual Giving established Swipe Out Student Hunger in partnership with Aramark as an initiative aimed at combating food insecurity on campus. Students donate spare meal swipes at Gaylord's Kitchen (Buies Creek cafeteria), and they can then be used by their peers who most need them. The charitable act doubles as a way for students to participate in Campbell Giving Day.

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Students gravitated to the initiative at its inception, with 90 meal swipes donated during Campbell Giving Day 2023 and 706 donated during a spring 2024 collection. The response on Campbell Giving Day 2024, however, was taken to another level.

"Swipe Out Hunger was a huge success this year, with 1,544 meal swipes donated - an incredible increase year over year," said Meg Gaito, Development Director and manager of the initiative. "We couldn't have done this without the amazing support of the Student Government Association. Their dedication, along with our students' generosity and spirit of giving back on Campbell Giving Day, has made a real difference on campus."

This year, one Campbell Giving Day gift was tallied for every two student meal swipes.

This year, the swipes are collected for use at Nourish Market, the campus food pantry. Maisy Rainsey, a 4+1 BS in Health Communication student, participated in both years of Swipe Out Student Hunger has been impressed by its evolution.

[Link]"Last year, I got to be a part of the creation of Swipe Out Hunger, and I was amazed by how much students supported the brand-new initiative. This year, a lot of effort has been put into informing students about the Nourish Market and how their meal swipe donations are used, and so seeing the growth in support for Swipe Out Hunger on Giving Day just showed how Campbell students are committed to philanthropy and helping their fellow camels out," Rainey said.

On Campbell Giving Day, there was substantial donor support for the Fund for Campbell, which directly funds the University's greatest needs, including student scholarships, campus upkeep, faculty support, flexible funding and other pressing initiatives - all directly impacting student success at Campbell.

Motivation to give to the Fund for Campbelland university at large was amplified by a trio of challenges sponsored by Bob & Pat Barker, which unlocked $250,000.

Alumniwere heavily involved throughout Campbell Giving Day on campus and beyond. Several volunteers committed their time in Buies Creek to help with various festivities and initiatives, and online encouragement was overwhelming. Nearly 1 million social media users viewed Campbell Giving Day content over the course of Nov. 12 and Nov. 13.

The successful day would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of Campbell staff, faculty, and student workers, who hosted and participated in events of encouragement, such as College Coffee, Ice Cream Party in the Parlor, SGA Orange Wednesday, and more.

"I am honored to work alongside such a talented and dedicated group and be connected to such a close-knit community of alumni and friends," Latteri said. "Campbell Giving Day is a huge team effort and this team is unstoppable when tasked with a goal."

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