After exceeding the 500 unique donor goal in 2021, the advancement team at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is aspiring higher this year for the annual day of giving.
On Feb. 8, the College will host #WoodsGivingDay, when alumni, employees, students and the community are encouraged to make a gift to the institution. The gifts given will directly impact students at The Woods. This year, the goal is to reach 1,000 unique donors.
“We smashed through our goal of 500 donors last year with almost 800 gifts in one day,” Catherine Saunders ’98, associate vice president for advancement, said. “We are so pleased with the continued annual growth of engagement that we have doubled the number of donors we are seeking. It’s inspiring to see how The Woods is growing.”
The excitement of #WoodsGivingDay is spreading across campus this year, with locations in Studio ’64 located in Le Fer Hall, Les Bois Hall and Hulman Hall. This will allow more students and employees to be involved. Students will be making calls beginning at 9 a.m. and going late into the evening.
Like last year, community partners are involved in making the day reach even farther into Terre Haute. Federal Coffee + Fine Foods, Little Bear Coffee Co., Culver’s and Chick-fil-A are back from last year. New this year, The Woods has partnered with three alumni-owned businesses — Clay Plant Road, Rusted Root Co. along with Little Bear Coffee Co. — to offer special incentives.
Anyone who donates any amount on Feb. 8 is entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of 10 exclusive SMWC mugs from Clay Plant Road. Donors of $500 or more will receive a special SMWC candle from Rusted Root Co.
“Seeing our alumni and friends support #WoodsGivingDay warms my heart,” said Jenifer Wright ’17, director of athletic and community partnerships. “We hope to continue to expand these relationships to make the day all about sharing our love for The Woods.”
Other incentives include, of course, the beloved SMWC socks with the donation of $50 or more.
The day of giving contributes to the Woods Fund, the unrestricted fund that is essential to the College’s operating budget. The donations directly impact students – whether it is through scholarships or renovations of buildings around campus.