Setting Record Engagement, Curry's First Annual Day of Giving Tops $140K

April 7th is now one for the history books. The First Annual Curry Counts Curry College Day of Giving has set the bar high with an inaugural community-wide crowdfunding event, bringing together 526 supporters making gifts totaling $142,768 in 48 hours. The contributions from Curry alumni, faculty, staff, students, families, and friends will support The Curry Fund, which aids institutional priorities such as extracurricular activities, faculty initiatives, academic programs, athletics, and student financial needs.

"It was a historic day for Curry,” says Sally Murray, vice president of Institutional Advancement and Alumni/Family Engagement. “One that will start an important new tradition that celebrates the College, recognizes the impact of our community, and supports Curry's future."

The two-day philanthropic event featured a collection of #CurryCounts impact stories, special events on campus, and a series of challenges, including the "Shave the Beard Challenge," which raised approximately $7,400 for the Men's Lacrosse team when Head Coach Tim Murphy agreed to bare his cheeks and chin for the cause. Other successful challenges included the Samson Family $10K Challenge, the Drewes Family "50 Donors for 50 Years of PAL" Challenge, and the Bard Family Challenge celebrating the life and legacy of Evan Bard '14. Combined, each challenge helped raise a total of $87,683. Participation in Curry's Day of Giving exceeded its initial goal by 263 percent, raising critical funds for athletics, academics, PAL, the Student Emergency Fund, and more.

"For our inaugural Curry Counts Day of Giving, our community came together and demonstrated incredible generosity and dedication to the College, and we're immensely grateful," adds Murray. "Thank you for making this a historic day. We look forward to bringing another exciting Day of Giving next year."