During the fourth annual Gettysburgives Challenge on February 27-28, donations flowed in from across the country and around the world—all in support of Gettysburg students.
This year’s Challenge aimed to attract gifts from 2,760 donors to unlock $1 million in Challenge funds provided by generous Gettysburg sponsors Bill ’98 and Erin Hardy ’99 Burns; Bruce Chamberlin ’86; Taylor Plank ’12 and Luke Cuculis ’12; Bob Duelks ’77; Peter ’68, P’10 and Nancy P’10 Gaess; Clayton ’81 and Laura Burke ’80 Heckler; Mike and Cassie Pickens Jewell ’04; Stuart and Lauren Keefe ’09; Jim ’91 and Kelly Thomann ’92 Renner; Robert F. and Claire O’Neill Smith P’13, P’18; Dr. Ronald J. Smith ’72 and Diane Werley Smith ’73; Kimberly Spiro P’13; Bob Sumas ’63; David and Martha Swartz P’20; and an anonymous donor from the Class of 1986.
We’re proud to report that we’ve once again smashed our fundraising goals, garnering donations from 3,417 donors, totaling $713,307 in new gifts, pledge payments, and commitments. Upon surpassing our original donor goal, we received an extra stretch gift of $100,000 from Barry ’65 and Barbara Wenger ’65 Shaw to help us hit the remarkable 3,000-donor milestone. Add in the $1 million incentive put forward by our loyal alumni and parent sponsors, and we raised a grand total of $1,813,307 for Gettysburg College!
As a part of the Gettysburgives Challenge, we also held successful mini-challenges. For the Reunion Class Challenge, the Class of 1968 took the title. For the Student & Family Challenge, our first-year class surged to victory, while the softball and volleyball teams each earned $2,500 for their sports in the Bullets Teams Challenge. In addition, 81 devoted donors gave to the Sustaining Gift Challenge.
Over the last four years, our Gettysburgives Challenge has raised $5.35 million in gifts for Gettysburg College. Every gift empowers our students to explore new academic passions, expand their perspectives, and pursue meaningful change.
Thank you to all who participated in the success of our 36-hour giving challenge! We appreciate your support!
