Big Orange Give Reaches Record Goal of $2 Million in One Day

UT reached its goal of raising $2 million in one day during Big Orange Give, the 24-hour giving campaign held November 14, with more than $2.1 million in donations.

“I am so proud of how the campus community and our alumni and friends came together as part of Big Orange Give,” said Interim Chancellor Wayne T. Davis. “The support of the Volunteer family for our campus and its programs has been incredible. I am so grateful to each donor for making a difference and lighting the way.”

Donors were able to designate their gifts to any area of campus, including specific colleges, student-led organizations, student scholarships, and any of UT’s cultural and learning centers.

“This year, we built on what has become a tradition,” said Lauren Herbstritt, UT’s director of new media fundraising for annual giving. “Most of the gifts during Big Orange Give are under $100. Participants can see the impact they make even with a small contribution, thanks in part to matches from our alumni and friends that allowed us to double and triple some donations.”

The one-day effort was assisted by matching and challenge gifts from donors like Charlie and Moll Anderson, who led the way with a challenge gift of $500,000 that was awarded when the giving total reached $1.5 million.

“As a student, I am so appreciative of the donors that have supported the Big Orange Give,” said senior Julia Scott. “The impact that this one-day fundraising initiative has on students is tremendous and leads the way in helping with funding for scholarships, research, and so much more.”

For more information, visit Big Orange Give.

About the Join the Journey Campaign

As the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, aspires to become a preeminent institution, the $1.1 billion Join the Journey campaign will assist in positioning the university among the nation’s elite. The comprehensive fundraising campaign focuses on increasing support for undergraduate scholarships, graduate fellowships, faculty support, college priorities, and athletics. The funds raised will create a student experience that reaches beyond the ordinary, shaping the next generation of leaders for the state, nation, and world.

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CONTACT:

Mallorie Mendence ( 865-974-5801, mmendenc@utk.edu)