By Molly Williamson and Lindsey Piercy
One day. One gift. Enormous impact.
Mark your calendars! On April 17, the University of Kentucky will rally alumni, faculty, staff, parents, students and fans to support the campus community through "One Day for UK." During the 24-hour campaign, donors are encouraged to support the college, unit or cause of their choice.
In its first year, the goal of "One Day for UK" is to raise awareness and encourage giving. “This is an opportunity for people to show their UK pride,” Sarah Fitzgerald, the associate director of annual giving, said. “Many people are unaware of the many areas they can support. This is an opportunity for us to spend one day celebrating UK, teaching people about the different ways they can give to the university and showing them how they can help us continue to grow.”
"At the University of Kentucky, we are harnessing our dogged determination and boundless compassion to do more — and be more — for the state we serve. 'One Day for UK' is an opportunity to join together and follow in the footsteps of those who came before us, those who gave of themselves to change our campus and Commonwealth for the better. Together, we can write the next chapter for our institution; together, we will show the world what Kentucky can do," President Eli Capilouto said.
"One Day for UK" also supports the university’s comprehensive campaign, Kentucky Can: The 21st Century Campaign, which increases opportunities for student success, funds innovative research, improves health care, strengthens the alumni network and enhances athletic programs. Now, more than halfway to its $2.1 billion goal, Kentucky Can benefits from every gift.
"Kentucky Can is our challenge to give back, to come together, to serve others, to leave a positive mark, to share our good fortune and to show love and compassion,” D. Michael Richey, vice president for philanthropy and alumni engagement, said. “'One Day for UK' is one component of that effort. It is an opportunity for us to rally around UK and to encourage giving to the many wonderful programs that distinguish us and are helping us to transform the Commonwealth and inspire the world.”
To further promote the day, each college, unit and cause is seeking ambassadors — students, alumni, friends and donors — to help publicize "One Day for UK" through their personal social media accounts. Each ambassador will receive a toolkit with language and strategies to help them spread the message.
“Together, we can make a huge impact on campus through 'One Day for UK.' We can provide more scholarships and research opportunities for students, enhance our creative and outreach efforts and give our colleges and departments the resources they need to be successful," Fitzgerald added. "We look forward to a fun day of showing our support for UK and improving opportunities for everyone we serve.”
Most colleges, units and causes have selected a specific fund or funds to highlight on "One Day for UK." A complete list is located online.
Donors can make a gift by sending a check in the mail or by visiting Network for Good before April 17. Simply check a box to have your gift applied to the overall total. On April 17, visit the "One Day for UK" website to make a gift, track the progress and learn how the campaign benefits UK.
To join the online conversation, follow #OneDayforUK on all social media platforms.
- Read President Eli Capilouto's message about One Day for UK.
- View the College of Fine Arts message highlighting a $10,000 matching gift from Ben Kaufmann and Janet Zusman
This article originally appeared in UKNOW on March 19, 2019.