Officials with Kentucky Wesleyan College are hoping to reach a huge milestone during this year’s Giving Tuesday event, as the school is close to surpassing the $1 million threshold for money raised over the last six years.
Giving Tuesday began in 2012 as a worldwide, single-day philanthropic event that now occurs annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving — which will be Dec. 1 this year.
“Hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars have been donated to nonprofits on Giving Tuesday,” said Blake Harrison, Kentucky Wesleyan director of development and donor relations.
Harrison said KWC must raise at least $183,600 to reach the cumulative $1 million goal.
“We’ve passed that mark twice — once in 2017 ($187,228) and once in 2019 ($212,999),” he said. “We’ve raised $816,400 in our first five years dating back to 2015 with a $163,280 average per year.”
Harrison said the money raised locally helps KWC students achieve and receive a quality, faith-based education, which “includes academics, as well as social and spiritual growth.”
The majority of the funds are used for scholarships the school provides. Harrison said the investment made toward the Kentucky Wesleyan Scholarship Fund was critical.
“We always encourage donors to invest in the area(s) that mean most to them, which could include scholarships, academic programming, athletics, student life or campus ministries,” Harris said. “Nothing we offer is possible without private support — investments from our alumni and friends mean everything to us.”
Those wishing to donate to this year’s Giving Tuesday can do so here. Donations will also be accepted in person at the Barnard-Jones Administration Building in rooms 105 and 109. Questions can be directed to Harrison at [email protected] or 270-852-3460.
