Nov. 12, 2015
CWU Embraces Giving Tuesday
Central Washington University is celebrating #GivingTuesday, a worldwide event to encourage people to support their favorite charitable organizations and non-profit groups.
Occurring this year on December 1, #GivingTuesday is held annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. Organizers say it’s a good way for people to kick off the holiday season by giving to the charities and causes they support.
“Giving Tuesday brings all of us together, on one day a year, to show the impact we can have when we give together,” said CWU President James L. Gaudino. “A donation to CWU on Giving Tuesday helps our students, many of whom depend on the university for financial support, as well as the programs that make CWU a wonderful place to live and learn.”
Ginny Ann Blackson, director of annual giving for CWU's Department of University Advancement, said her organization, which is spearheading campus efforts, hopes to raise $100,000 on Giving Tuesday.
“We have matching-funds of $35,000 for any contributions to #CWUGivingTuesday on December 1,” she noted. “That means other donors will match any donation, which essentially doubles every dollar that is pledged. It’s a win-win for everyone.”
Blackson said donors can make pledges via a toll-free number, 800-752-4378.
“Giving Tuesday offers an excellent opportunity for CWU alums, supporters, parents and even students to show their support for our university,” Blackson said.
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.
Created by 92nd Street Y—a cultural center in New York City that, since 1874, has been bringing people together around the values of service and giving back—#GivingTuesday connects diverse groups of individuals, communities, and organizations around the world to celebrate and encourage giving. A team of influencers and founding partners joined forces, collaborating across sectors, to launch #GivingTuesday and have continued to shape, grow, and strengthen the movement.
Media contact: Ginny Ann Blackson, CWU University Advancement, 509-963-2106, blacksonga@cwu.edu