One Day + Lots of Love = $130K in Gifts

On Thursday, March 21, St. John Fisher College alumni, faculty, staff, and students came together to show their collective Fisher love during the first-ever I Heart Fisher Day of Giving.

Scheduled to coincide with Philanthropy Week, throughout the 24-hour giving day, more than 500 donors gave more than $52,000 to unlock $80,000 in challenge gifts for a one-day grand total of $132,431.

Fisher fans gave to support challenge gifts, including the ultimate “I Heart Fisher Challenge,” issued by the Board of Trustees. It was the most successful, exceeding the 150-donor goal by 8 percent.

Fisher Athletics also exceeded its goal; and donations will support 20 different teams. The “Light Up Your State Challenge” showed Fisher pride nationwide! Alumni lit up 30 of the 50 states including Texas, Georgia, and Virginia, and Ernie Manzie ’80 and Jim Palmer ’70 represented Fisher from all the way in Alaska!

Fisher fans were hungry to show their love, and the “Can-Am Lunch Hour” brought in 50 gifts and unlocked $25,000 from Chris and Carrie Bell.

The “1980s Challenge,” issued by Jon and Heather Williams, inspired classmates from every year of the decade to make generous donations. Each class from the G.O.L.D. years (graduates of the last decade) came through for the “Young Alumni Challenge.”

The “Reunion Challenge” brought out nostalgia and gifts from members of those classes, including one alumna, who gave one dollar for each year since her graduation.