Earlham College raised a staggering $1.3 million from 2,949 donors during Earlham Day 2021, a single-day fundraising record in the annual day-of-giving’s seventh year.
“I am truly blown away by not only the generosity of our worldwide community, but also the deep commitment demonstrated by our alumni and friends at a time of great uncertainty in our world,” Earlham President Anne Houtman said. “This year’s Earlham Day has strengthened our capacity to support future generations of students who will go on to become the kind of change-makers the world so desperately needs.”
Hosted online out of concern for the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 event was fueled by the generosity of a group of alumni and other benefactors who matched every donor’s gift—no matter the size—by $200. That group include Georges ’63 & Mary “Shorty” ’61 Birenbaum; Tom ’64 and Bobbie ’64 Gottschalk; Bob Graham ’65 and Jane Henney; David ’76 and Sallie Jones; Alan ’74 and Peg ’74 Scantland; Russell Scott ’71; Bob ’64 and Joyce ’64 Sulanke; and John ’77 and Barbara Turitzin.
Most proceeds from Earlham Day go to the Earlham Fund, which supports the College’s most critical needs and bridges the gap between the cost of tuition and the actual cost of educating students. That includes funding scholarships, faculty-student collaborative research, off-campus study, maintenance projects and campus beatification efforts. Other gifts were received for other purposes requested by donors.
Earlham Day also was supported by a carnival for students on campus and 16 online events, which included a series of interactive presentations and a concert by students and alumni all over the world. Participants also had the opportunity to register for EC Connect, an online networking community for Earlham alumni, faculty and staff, and students.
“Earlham Day was truly a showcase of the best of Earlham, and a celebration of what makes us a transformational place to live, learn and grow,” said Kim Tanner, Earlham vice president of institutional advancement. “Beyond the number of dollars raised, Earlham Day has become a testament to how our community responds to challenges. In the face of a global pandemic, we still found ways to be together, to raise up our voices, and to connect across miles.”
“I can’t thank everyone enough for celebrating with us, and reminding us all what it means to be an Earlhamite.”
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Phone: 765.983.1256