Big Orange Give Campaign exceeds goal after week of events
http://bigorangegive.utk.edu
The university’s Big Orange Give Campaign is well under way and has already reached its initial goal. The campaign is intended to help UT on its way to become a Top 25 public research university.
The campaign’s original goal was to raise $125,000 in 125 hours. It began on Nov. 4 and was set to end on Nov. 6.
This is the first campaign of this kind for the university and the success is evident. As of 10:20 p.m. on Nov. 6, Big Orange Give had received 623 gifts totaling $125,456. The program received gifts from 35 states.
The campaign is primarily based from online donations that can be made through the website to the school, specific departments, or projects. The Big Orange Give website will also feature daily videos from Tennessee Alumni, such as Peyton Manning and Bill Bass.
“Donors are giving directly to areas they are passionate about, rather it is student scholarships, faculty professorships, which allow us to retain and recruit top-notch faculty, or specific student projects … last year, 66 percent of undergraduate and graduate students received financial aid from the university. With more private support from alumni and friends, this number can grow,” said Lance Taylor, from the Office of Development and Alumni Affairs.
A new goal has now been set on the website for $175,000, and donations end on Nov. 6 at 9 p.m.
Edited by Zach Dennis
