Support of Central College and its students continues to be strong, evidenced this week by the generosity of alumni and friends who donated during Giving Tuesday.
Central surpassed its goal by more than $18,000, raising $110,011.81 through gifts from 203 donors. Of that, $107,761.81 goes to the Journey Scholarship Fund, which is celebrating its 10th year.
The Journey Scholarship Fund was created to help students pursue their dreams at Central College and has awarded thousands of scholarships to students from around the country. It is 100% donor funded and helps open doors of opportunity by making a Central education affordable to all who qualify.
Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving celebrated each year by nonprofits, small businesses, corporations, schools and faith-based organizations all over the world.
“Our alumni and friends certainly stepped up this year on Giving Tuesday to support our students and open up more access to a Central education,” says Sunny Gonzales Eighmy, vice president for advancement and a 1999 Central graduate. “We are so incredibly fortunate to have donors who are committed to this amazing institution.”
All gifts to the Journey Scholarship Fund were doubled thanks to generous lead donors, including many Central alumni: David ’86 and Kristi Jaarsma Balk ’88; Mike ’89 and Amy Dietrich Eilers ’88; Mark ’80 and Lori Kooiker Ellingson ’82; John ’87 and Julie Pothoven Fisher ’90; Jeff Oliver ’79; Kathy Sikkema ’84; Phil ’61 and Berta Van Ekeren ’16H; Scott and Cindy Van Tasell; Don ’61 and Diana Starr Vogel ’63; and several anonymous benefactors.
