UD’s First Giving Day – One Day, One Dayton – Surpasses Goal

Shea Donovan 
Contributing Writer

On April 10, UD celebrated its first 24-hour giving day. In honor of the university’s founding year (1850), One Day, One Dayton sought at least 1,850 donors.

This goal was far surpassed, reaching 5,638 donors who raised $866,284. Student ambassadors reported the average gift was about $211. Alumni accounted for 51 percent of donors, staff for 13 percent and students for six percent. Donors could fall into one or all three of the donation categories.

Wesleigh Cummings, the director of annual giving at the university, credited the success of UD’s inaugural giving day to the teamwork among supporters. Volunteers, including student and faculty ambassadors, encouraged donations from their specific departments and organizations.

One Day, One Dayton received support from a number of social media ambassadors and peer to peer ambassadors who assisted in increasing recognition. The board of trustees also was essential in reaching the donor goal.

In its first year, One Day, One Dayton more than tripled its donor goal and raised nearly $1 million. Organizers will certainly have high expectations for this event in years to come.

Photo taken by Sean Newhouse