Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) hosted its annual day of giving, Woods Giving Day, on Tuesday, February 7. Collectively, 957 donors raised $284,147 in support of various funds for the College. With the goal of 1,000 donors in 24 hours, the College was just shy of reaching the target. “While we did not reach 1,000 donors in one day, I consider 957 a wonderful number to reach in one day! I’m grateful to everyone who participated in Woods Giving Day by giving back to SMWC students,” said Jessica Bicknell Crawford ’19G, advancement officer.
Over 15 challenges initiated by alumni and community partners played a huge part in the success of Woods Giving Day. One challenge encouraged 400 donors to make their Woods Giving Day gifts by 11 a.m. After the challenge was met, an anonymous alumna donated $20,000 to the Woods Fund. Another challenge was issued by ISU Credit Union who matched every dollar donated by residents of the Wabash Valley up to $2,500. Mary Kay Campbell Watson ’69 and Al Watson gave $15,000 when SMWC received 15 gifts of $1,000 to Le Fer Hall to fund critical bathroom renovations. These challenges helped inspire and encourage other donors to give back on Woods Giving Day.
Another success from Wood Giving Day was the 12 community partners that supported the day. SMWC partnered with ISU Credit Union, Bright Ideas, Tabco, Bites and Blessings, Chick-fil-A, Culver’s, Federal Coffee + Find Foods, Little Bear Coffee Co., Macksville Coffee Company, Square Donuts, Bon Appetit and Clay Plant.
Kit Strow, junior, was one of several student volunteers that made calls on Woods Giving Day. Strow, president of Student Senate, specifically called members of the class of 1964 to encourage them to give in memory of Jerry Hellmann. Hellmann, the late husband of Mary Ann Kelly Hellmann ’64, was one of SMWC’s biggest cheerleaders and a dedicated Woods Giving Day caller. “I was honored to call the class of 1964. Jerry really made a great impact on my life and student experience at The Woods. It’s a tough day without him here, but I know he’s cheering us on!”
Gathered in the Woods Student Center in Rooney Library, students and staff worked the phones from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. calling alumni and friends. Despite having nearly 100 volunteers, the College was unable to call every individual on the list. Crawford added, “We’re so thankful to be able to connect with alumni and friends, but there simply isn’t enough time in one day to reach out to every person in our database. That is why we encourage individuals who want to give on Woods Giving Day to do so online. We don’t want people waiting to hear from the College on this critical fundraising day!”
Planning is already underway for Woods Giving Day 2024, which will take place on Tuesday, February 6.
