Over the past few months, members of the Case Western Reserve University community have joined together to respond to challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic—from research to front-line care to student support.
And last week, alumni, faculty, staff, students, parents and friends united again (albeit virtually)—this time for the eighth annual Day of Giving. With a theme of “All In Together,” the fundraising event showed the strength of the community, as 2,467 donors from 45 states and nine countries contributed $1.18 million to the university’s efforts in response to the global pandemic.
This year, each school and unit raised funding for various COVID-related needs, from assisting students with unexpected expenses to providing seed funding for coronavirus research.
“For our community to come together and support the university so generously—especially in a time of uncertainty—shows not only our commitment to education and research but, most importantly, to each other,” said Carol Moss, senior vice president of university relations and development, who took on her role last summer. “We are truly grateful for each individual’s support.”
Day of Giving donors contributed to more than 20 different funds at the university, with the most amounts raised for the Student Emergency Fund, the COVID-19 Response Fund and the School of Medicine’s Student Technology Fund.
The number of people who participated in the 2020 Day of Giving was 210% higher than the 2013 inaugural event; the total dollar amount given was more than 500% higher. And the 2020 figures far surpassed the participation and fundraising in each of the first five years of the Day of Giving.
“For the Day of Giving to exceed $1 million in gifts and 2,400 donors the past three years is truly exceptional,” Moss said, “but it’s even more remarkable amid the current economic environment. To all of our supporters—and those who are giving back in other ways—thank you.”