Second annual Falcon Day of Giving scheduled for October 29

With a goal of raising $250,000 in one day, alumni and friends will once again have the chance to double their contribution to Fairmont State University on the second Falcon Day of Giving to be held October 29.

Fairmont State Foundation is encouraging those who want to take advantage of this opportunity to create a donation strategy, from deciding what programs they would like to support to encouraging friends, family and fellow alumni to participate.

“On just one day last year, we were able to raise nearly $200,000 from more than 160 loyal donors who wanted to make a difference at Fairmont State University,” said Julie Cryser, president of the Fairmont State Foundation. “The most successful fund raising came from departments, schools and athletic teams that developed strong strategies to make the most of the day.”

Last year, the Fairmont State baseball team took full advantage of the program and was able to raise more than $10,000 to support the Friends of Baseball account, which funds team travel and other expenses. Baseball players rallied alumni, friends and parents to log in at 12:01 a.m. on the Day of Giving. “We raised as much money for the Friends of Baseball account in one day as we do with several of our events,” said Baseball Coach Phil Caruso.

The matches and challenges and work put into gathering support ahead of the day paid off for many academic units, programs and projects.

Kestrel: A Journal of Literature & Art, a juried literary publication, is produced twice a year at Fairmont State University. Kestrel publishes fiction, poetry, poetry in translation, creative non-fiction, book reviews, and visual art by established and emerging writers and artists, and is especially pleased to publish work by West Virginian and Appalachian writers and artists.

Last year, with the assistance of the Fairmont State Foundation, a graduate student sent a letter to those who had supported the publication in the past. Professors and supporters encouraged donors to give and raised more than $3,000 for the publication. They took advantage of matches and challenges to increase support. The money raised represents about a year's budget for the production of the publication.

“Kestrel's commitment to publishing high quality work from around the world and bringing contributors to Fairmont State's campus for biannual celebrations and provides students with opportunities to network with working writers and artists,” said Donna Long, who is a Fairmont State University professor and editor-in-chief of the publication.

Fairmont State faculty, alumni and friends can also sign up to be social media ambassadors for the day. A complete toolkit and suggested posts will be provided to volunteers who want to share and encourage others to give.

Jessica Sharps served as a social media ambassador last year, sending social media posts leading up the event and on that day to encourage people to give. She reached hundreds of friends and alumni to encourage them to log in and take advantage of the matches and challenges.

“I’ve been a member of the Falcon Family for nearly 15 years and know that the Falcon spirit runs deep within our region, as well as throughout the state, and even the world,” said Sharps. “I encourage anyone who loves to use the power of social media to share information and encourage others to participate in this year’s Day of Giving as an ambassador.”