Second annual ‘One Day for Western’ set for April 3
By Bill Studenc
Western Carolina University is already making plans for its second annual all-in day of giving to the institution, titled “One Day for Western” and scheduled for Wednesday, April 3.
The 24-hour fundraising event is designed to benefit all areas of the university by inviting members of the WCU community to make donations to the institutional priorities that mean the most to them.
WCU’s Division of Advancement is once again asking campus partners to identify and advocate for the needs in their respective areas that would benefit from additional, immediate-use financial resources in order to better serve students.
Then, on April 3, alumni, faculty, staff, students, parents and friends of the university will have the opportunity to make gifts to the area or areas to which they have the closest personal connection.
“Although One Day for Western is still a few months away, we want to encourage everyone to mark their calendars now for this important day in the life of the university,” said Rebekah Cheney, WCU’s director of annual giving. “Last year’s inaugural One Day for Western was a tremendous success that exceeded our expectations. We are looking forward to increasing participation this year and having an even bigger impact on our students.”
During WCU’s first One Day for Western effort last year, 1,128 donors made gifts and pledges totaling $316,337, surpassing the original goal of 800 donors. The donations included more than $263,950 in cash gifts in support of 88 separate university funds across campus. This year, WCU hopes to secure 1,200 donors on April 3.
One Day for Western will also feature several donor challenges in hopes of maximizing philanthropic impact. Goals of the challenges will vary; some challenges will be based on raising specific dollar amounts, while others will be based on donor participation. Those challenges will be announced in the days leading up to April 3.
For more information about One Day for Western, visit the website oneday.wcu.edu or call 828-227-7335.
