Indiana State University’s sixth annual 24-hour giving day on Wednesday, March 20 resulted in $1,355,900 for the university to enhance the Sycamore experience on campus and beyond.
1,611 donors from 43 states and 4 countries contributed during the 24-hour fundraising event.
President Deborah J. Curtis, Ph.D., expressed her gratitude for Give to Blue Day’s success: “It is wonderful to see our students and alums unite on Give To Blue Day for a common cause: advancing Indiana State University. Thank you to our generous donors and community partners; your donations will positively impact our students, scholarships, and experiential learning opportunities for years. Give To Blue Day is one of our favorite days of the year as it showcases an unwavering support for Indiana State through philanthropy.”
Funds raised on Give to Blue Day support various programs and scholarships across Indiana State’s divisions and colleges; the donor chooses where their gift will be used.
Sycamore Athletics topped the leaderboard in total dollars raised, followed by the College of Arts and Sciences, the Scott College of Business, the Fund for ISU, and Bridge the Gap Scholarships.
“Give to Blue Day’s success displays just how bold the Sycamore spirit is. Raising $1.35 million dollars in 24 hours from 1,611 donors exemplifies how much support this University and its students has from the community and around the world,” said Andrea Angel, Vice President of University Advancement and CEO of the ISU Foundation. “We continue to be in awe of the generosity of our donors. We are grateful for anyone who made a gift, provided challenges and matches, or visited our community partners during the second Give to Blue Day in the public phase of the Be So BOLD Campaign.”
Various community partners throughout the Wabash Valley, many of which are alumni-owned businesses, participated in Give to Blue Day by hosting special promotions, encouraging donations, and contributing a portion of sales to ISU. Businesses included Ballyhoo Tavern, Bits N’ Bites, Culver’s, Federal Coffee + Fine Foods, Ferm Fresh, Honey’s Bar and Grill, J. Gumbo’s, Java Haute, Little Bear, McDonald’s locations in the Wabash Valley, Scout’s Pizzeria, Terre Haute Brewing Company, Tropical Smoothie, WaterTower Estates, The Wing House, and more.
Give to Blue Day 2024 was a digitally driven event with more than 622 social media ambassadors, including ISU students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends.
Other games and gatherings took place across campus throughout the week such as Traveling Mic, Taco-bout Philanthropy, Cash Cab, and Sam’s Friends Den, all hosted by the Student Philanthropy Organization to engage the campus community and educate students on the power of philanthropy.
“Give to Blue Day is easily one of our favorite days of the whole year! It’s a celebration of our commitment to supporting our institution and encouraging our peers to do the same,” said Grace Longyear, President of the Student Philanthropy Organization. The day serves as an opportunity to display the profound impact philanthropy has on students like us!”
Next year’s Give to Blue Day is scheduled for Wednesday, April 9, 2025, to avoid spring break conflicts for Indiana State University and the Vigo County School Corporation.