On April 9, the 10th annual Big Poet Give raised an unprecedented $527,418 from 683 donors, marking the highest amount ever raised. This incredible generosity represents a 65% increase from the 2017 high of $320,121.
“We are deeply grateful to the Whittier community, which truly came together for Big Poet Give in so many meaningful ways,” said Vice President of Development Delite Travis. “From spreading the word on social media to rallying friends and fellow Poets to give, every single effort helped fuel this incredible milestone. Thanks to this shared passion for Whittier and our students, we received gifts from donors in 41 states — a true testament to the Poet spirit. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who gave, supported, and celebrated the 10th anniversary of Big Poet Give. A special shoutout goes to our 39 incredible Big Poet Give Ambassadors and everyone who joined us for the Virtual Bash.”
Big Poet Give inspired a staggering $240,000 in philanthropic matches and challenges from Kathy Argo ’72, Vince Daigneault ’85, Lila Laviano ’03, Amy Pulver ’72, Bill Wardlaw ’68, Stephanie Wiggins ’92, President Kristine E. Dillon ’73 and John Curry, SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, and three anonymous alumni donors.
“I want to thank the donors, alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and friends for their monumental support,” Dillon said. “Our fundraising powers scholarships that give students the benefits of a Whittier education — upward economic mobility, successful and meaningful careers, and lives of meaning and impact. Every gift, big or small, made a difference.”
This day of giving supports Whittier College students through the Whittier Fund, boosting the College’s trademarked liberal arts experience. For more information about Big Poet Give, visit GivingDay.Whittier.edu, and to donate, visit Whittier.edu/giving.
Original source can be found here.