UT has wrapped up its annual Big Orange Give online giving campaign. Alumni and friends helped the university more than triple the campaign goal by giving $766,330 online in one week.
The second annual Big Orange Give generated 1,185 gifts from donors in forty-nine states and abroad during UT’s Homecoming week.
Noteworthy alumni and leaders including Chancellor Jimmy G. Cheek, Professor Emeritus Bill Bass, former UT football players Eric Berry and Dustin Colquitt, financial expert Dave Ramsey, “Voice of the Titans” announcer Mike Keith, and American roots rock band the Dirty Guv’nahs led the charge through special video messages.
“For the second year in a row, our Volunteer family has exceeded our goals for the Big Orange Give campaign,” said Cheek. “We are thankful 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.”
Seventy-five percent of the gifts received during the Big Orange Give campaign were less than $100. Donors designated gifts toward specific colleges or departments, and all nine colleges and the UT Libraries reached their goal during the campaign.
“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 Scott Rabenold, vice chancellor for development and alumni affairs.
The original goal of the campaign was to raise $250,000. If the campaign hit that amount, Alan Wilson, former president of the UT Alumni Board of Directors and president, CEO and chairman of the board of McCormick & Company, pledged to give another $250,000. The campaign kicked off at 8:00 a.m. Monday, October 6, and concluded at 8:00 a.m. Monday, October 13.
A collection of the videos, as well as a photo gallery of donors sharing why they give, can be found on the Big Orange Give website.
Although Big Orange Give is over, alumni and friends of the university can always contribute through the Office of Alumni Affairs and Development website.
—
C O N T A C T:
Lance Taylor (865-974-8949, blt@utk.edu)
Katherine Saxon (865-974-8365, ksaxon@utk.edu)