CWU Wildcats Make Giving Tuesday a Landmark Success

On Giving Tuesday, Central Washington University alumni and friends rallied together to support the university through their charitable donations.

“This was our first ever Giving Tuesday campaign, and our goal was $100,000,” said Scott Wade, vice president of University Advancement and executive director of the CWU Foundation. “Thanks to hundreds of generous donors, we quadrupled our goal, raising more than $400,000.

“In addition, more than 350 new donors joined Central’s family of supporters, a tribute to our thriving Wildcat pride.”

“This is a signature moment for CWU’s alumni and donor engagement efforts,“ he continued. “This success nicely complements the institution’s recent record enrollment, and recognition by The Economist as the number one ranked university in Washington.”

“I’m overwhelmed by our community and their tremendous generosity,” said CWU President James L. Gaudino. “This level of support is truly humbling.”

“We had matching funds of $45,000 for new and increased gifts to #CWUGivingTuesday,” noted Ginny Ann Blackson, CWU’s director of annual giving. “Generous alumni provided these matching funds, which provided additional momentum to our Giving Tuesday efforts.”

Giving Tuesday was started in 2011 in response to the increased commercialization of the day after Thanksgiving (Black Friday) and the subsequent Cyber Monday, which have become the busiest shopping days of the year. Last year, more than 30,000 charitable organizations and non-profit groups in 68 countries participated in the event.

Media Contact: Valerie Chapman-Stockwell, Public Affairs, 509-963-1518, valeriec@cwu.edu
December 14, 2015