Donors to the University of Kentucky College of Education raised $45,579 during One Day for UK.
For 24 hours on Sept. 16, more than 50 colleges, programs, and causes at UK participated in the second annual university-wide giving day.
The UK College of Education received gifts from 159 donors and came in 3rd on the university’s large unit leaderboard, unlocking a $500 bonus gift for the college. The funds raised will support scholarships for students.
UK College of Education Dean Julian Vasquez Heilig committed $25,000 to match all funds raising during the giving marathon. Other giving challenges throughout the day drove excitement on social media as donors made gifts and posted photos to compete for additional dollars for their favorite causes at UK.
UK faculty and staff also played a crucial role in “One Day for UK” — many made a gift online or through ongoing payroll deduction giving to contribute to the success of giving day.
“We were so impressed with the turnout and excitement among our colleges and programs at UK and all their supporters — alumni, friends, fans, parents, students, faculty and staff took part in the day. After postponing from April to September, we were not sure what to expect,” Katie Sanders Vogel, associate director of annual giving, said. “’One Day for UK’ 2020 took place as we all continue to navigate challenges, but it was a testament to the important work that continues at UK and the donors who make an impact by supporting that work.”
All of the day’s funds supported Kentucky Can: The 21st Century Campaign, the university’s comprehensive campaign to increase scholarship support, to fund innovative research, to advance health care, to strengthen the alumni network, to enhance UK’s athletic programs, and to grow the university’s endowment.
“The Kentucky Can campaign continues to be very successful with $1.5 billion raised to date,” D. Michael Richey, vice president for philanthropy and alumni engagement, said. “‘One Day for UK’ is an important component of our comprehensive campaign effort — each giving day opens the door for more alumni to participate and get involved in making an impact at UK through giving.”
UK Philanthropy will continue to put on an annual “One Day for UK” event, showcasing all the opportunities to make a difference at UK.
“We are so grateful to our campus partners and to all our donors and supporters who made ‘One Day for UK’ a genuine success,” Vogel said. “Especially at a time when we all need a reason to rally together.”