UT wrapped up its annual Big Orange Give online giving campaign with alumni and friends donating $1,521,305 in one week.
“For the fourth year in a row, our Volunteer family has exceeded our goals for the Big Orange Give campaign,” said Chancellor Jimmy G. Cheek. “We are grateful to our alumni and friends for their enthusiasm for the campaign. Every donation makes a difference and moves us forward in our journey to become a Top 25 public research university.”
The fourth annual Big Orange Give generated 3,336 gifts from donors in all 50 states and three countries during the week of November 14–18.
Eighty percent of the gifts received during the Big Orange Give campaign were less than $100. Donors designated gifts toward their area of passion on campus.
More than 200 gifts were made on UT’s VOLstarter crowdfunding site. Three VOLstarter projects were fully funded: Paint the Rock, the College of Veterinary Medicine Anesthesia Crew, and the UT Gardens.
“It was incredible to see the power of many gifts come together to help us reach our Big Orange Give goal. This week showcases how every dollar, every donor truly makes an impact in the lives of current and future students,” said Chip Bryant, interim vice chancellor for development and alumni affairs.
The original goal of the campaign was to raise $1 million. The First Tennessee Foundation made a challenge pledge to match $500,000. Clay Jones, president of the Alumni Board of Directors, offered a true match of $25,000 on Wednesday, November 16, which was met by 11 a.m.
Even though Big Orange Give is over, alumni and friends can always contribute through the Office of Alumni Affairs and Development website.
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CONTACT:
Brooks Clark (nclark5@utk.edu 865-974-5471)