The Central College community demonstrated remarkable generosity this Giving Tuesday, reaching 127% of its fundraising goal. Central had a record-breaking level of participation by alumni, families and friends who contributed more than $129,700 during the global day of giving. Funds will directly benefit the Journey Scholarship Fund and student programs.
The funds raised reflect a shared commitment to supporting Central students and ensuring access to educational opportunities. Every incoming student receives a Journey Scholarship for four years and next year every Central student will have this donor-funded scholarship. The Journey Scholarship Fund helps make college more affordable for students and provides access to a high-quality education and career-building experiences at Central.
“Scholarships are a top priority for the college because they make the amazing Central educational experience even more affordable,” says Sunny Gonzales Eighmy, vice president for advancement and a 1999 Central graduate. “We can only achieve this with the ongoing support from our Central family. I want to say thank you to each of the 225 donors who made Giving Tuesday such a remarkable success. We are so blessed and thankful for this generosity.”
Central’s Giving Tuesday campaign included the opportunity to have all gifts to the Journey Scholarship Fund doubled, up to $50,000, because of lead challenge donors. Jim ’10H and Eunice Vander Zyl Van Tuyl ’68, Diane and Rick Hickman ’73, Dave ’86 and Kristi Jaarsma Balk ’88, Mike Main ’87, Sonia and Mark Konrad ’94 and Aaron ’97 and Lisa Vander Wilt Shileny ’98, as well as other anonymous, generous donors.
At the end of Giving Tuesday, Penny and Steve Sikkink ’83 gave an additional $5,000 as a match challenge to raise $5,000 more by 5 p.m. December 11.
“With typical Central competitiveness, we met and exceeded the challenge, which allowed us to break another giving record for both number of donors and dollars,” Eighmy says.
Individuals who still want to support student scholarships and a Central education may make a year-end gift at central.edu/give.
Check out the giving options with tax benefits at plannedgiving.central.edu for ways to make a substantial impact.