As part of a global day of giving earlier this month, Elmhurst College alumni, friends, faculty, staff and students raised more than $103,000 for the Bluejay Nest Fund, the College’s student emergency fund.

The GivingTuesdayNow event was held on May 5 as an emergency response to the need caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal was to spark an increase in grassroots generosity all over the world.

Elmhurst College joined that effort to support its students through gifts to the Bluejay Nest Fund.

One hundred percent of the fund goes to support Elmhurst students facing urgent and unexpected needs that may arise during the school year. The fund provides assistance with basic necessities like food and housing, technology and equipment for remote learning, health care, emergency travel and other unforeseen needs.

In all, more than 200 donors made gifts to the Bluejay Nest Fund during GivingTuesdayNow. Donors stepped forward throughout the event to offer a total of $45,000 in matching challenges, including Elmhurst College Trustee Virginia Prochaska ’88, the Alumni Association Board of Directors and anonymous donors.

“My sincere thanks go to everyone who made a gift to the Bluejay Nest Fund,” said President Troy D. VanAken. “We were so pleased to see such a strong showing of generosity and support for our students.”

The Elmhurst College Bluejay Nest Fund is continuing to accept donations, at elmhurst.edu/bluejaynestfund.