Elmhurst University alumni, parents, friends, faculty, staff and students came together on May 5 and raised more than $299,000 during #JayItForward Giving Day 2022.
The amount significantly exceeded this year’s goal of $250,000 and puts the University in range of setting a new fundraising record for the current fiscal year.
Proceeds from the 24-hour #JayItForward fundraiser support student scholarships and other campus initiatives included in Elmhurst 150: The Campaign for Elmhurst University, the University’s largest-ever fundraising campaign.
Gifts came from 584 unique donors who made 632 contributions, up from last year’s 441 unique donors and 472 contributions. Gifts made throughout the day unlocked numerous giving challenges, most issued by alumni:
- Trustee and alumna Gina Prochaska ’88 issued an Early Bird Challenge from April 5 through May 4, matching all gifts made to the Annual Fund up to $10,000.
- For the Morning Coffee Challenge, one winner from among the first 150 gifts made on #JayItForward Giving Day received a $25 gift card to the coffee shop of their choice.
- During the President’s Circle Challenge, a loyal donor pledged to give $1,000 for the first 30 donations that reach the President’s Circle level of $1,000 or more.
- During the Recent Alumni Challenge, a donor gave $50 for each of the first 150 donations made by a graduate of the classes of 2012 to 2022.
- Gifts made during the Last Call Challenge helped the University achieve and exceed its goal.
That evening, President Troy D. and Dr. Annette VanAken made the last stop on their yearlong President’s Road Trip around the country, meeting with alumni and friends at Lacuna Lofts in Chicago.
The progress made on #JayItForward Giving Day pushes Elmhurst even closer to setting a new fiscal year fundraising record. Last year, the University raised $10.01 million. This year, $9.7 million has been raised so far, with nearly two months still left in the current fiscal year. Meanwhile, the Elmhurst 150 campaign has raised just over $45 million toward its $50 million goal.
“As we continue to celebrate our 150th anniversary, what we accomplished during this #JayItForward Giving Day marked an important milestone,” President VanAken said. “I’m so grateful for the support and collaboration, among both our alumni and campus communities, that made all this possible.”