With less than two weeks to go in the IGNITE Challenge, 470 young alumni have made gifts to the university and had them matched 5-to-1 by Elon alumna and trustee Kerrii Brown Anderson ’79. The total raised so far is $150,403. Young alumni can support the program, department, school or opportunity they valued most at Elon to reach the goal of 1,200 donors by March 31.
>> See the list of young alumni who have made a contribution so far during the Ignite Challenge
Many young alums like Tonya Albert ’08 made a second gift this year so they could participate in the Challenge. Says Albert, “I’ll donate again! This is a great incentive to feel like every little bit counts!”
Erica Ayala ’08 adds, “I give twice a month with the recurring gift option. I’m making a special gift for the Challenge, too!”
In leading the second IGNITE Challenge, Anderson continues her efforts to increase participation in annual giving among graduates of the past decade. This year, Elon seniors are eligible to join the Challenge by making a qualifying gift during March. Seniors who participate will become members of IGNITE, Elon’s giving program for young alumni.
Here’s how it works:
Make a gift of $20 or more during March and Anderson will match it 5-to-1. Young alumni must make gifts of $20 or more to be eligible for the match. Qualifying gifts include cash, online gifts, recurring gifts and payments on any pledge made since June 1, 2010. These gifts qualify donors for membership in IGNITE.
The payoff:
5-to-1
Make a gift of $20, and Anderson will contribute $100 to Elon. Give $100 and Anderson will give $500. Anderson’s matching dollars will support students, faculty and programs.
The bonus:
If 1,200 young alums participate in this year’s Challenge, not only will Anderson match every gift 5-to-1, she’ll give an additional $20,000 to Elon.
Anderson, former CEO of Wendy’s International, encouraged all young alumni to participate in the Challenge and maximize their support for their alma mater.
“I give to Elon because I believe in this place,” Anderson says. “Elon made me who I am today.”
Last year, 628 young alumni participated in the Challenge, donating more than $34,000 to Elon during the month of February. The Challenge raised a total of $205,028, including matching dollars from Anderson.
View a special video message from Anderson by clicking on the link to the right. Stay tuned to E-Net, the IGNITE and alumni websites and Facebook for regular updates on the IGNITE Challenge. Young alumni also may make a gift at one of the IGNITE NITES during March. Click on the IGNITE website to view a schedule of those events.