by: Emma Fleming
On Wednesday, March 6 the Parkland College Foundation hosted its 50th Anniversary Day of Giving. The Foundation held a 24-hour donation drive in hopes of raising $50,000.
The Foundation held a kick-off event in the Student Union. The event included Champaign Mayor Deb Feinen and Urbana Mayor Diane Marlin who read proclamations of support. Parkland Trustee Jim Ayers read a proclamation from the City of Monticello. A proclamation was also read by Michelle Gonzalez from Senator Scott Bennett’s office. Parkland’s radio station, WPCD, provided music for the event.
“We were on various local television and radio news shows, ” said Tracy Wahlfeldt, the Executive Director of the Parkland College Foundation. “We had an open house…in the student union where we celebrated with sweet treats, music and give-aways.” Donors made contributions online on the Parkland College Day of Giving page. Donors were able to select a fund that appealed to them and donate an amount of their choice.
According to Wahlfeldt, the Foundation plays an important role at Parkland. “We are the fundraising arm of the College. We support the mission of the College, ‘Engage the Community in Learning’ by providing financial support,” Wahlfeldt said. “We do this by providing scholarships for students and support for our departments and programs in terms of new equipment, technology upgrades and facility enhancements.”
According to the Parkland website, the Parkland College Foundation creates opportunities and opens doors for students. The Parkland College Foundation’s Day of Giving event created many opportunities for students as it raised more than $50,000. To be exact, the Foundation raised $69,290 which is $19,290 more than the goal.
“The foundation raised 138% of the goal of $50,000. Donors consisted of Parkland College faculty and staff, retirees and community members,” Wahlfeldt said. “61 percent of the money raised came from current and retired faculty and staff members.” With the money that was raised, there is a special portion set aside for scholarship opportunities. “$44,096 was raised for student scholarships. Scholarship support is often the difference in someone attending Parkland College or not attending at all. The rest of the funds will be used to support programs at Parkland College.”
“$69, 290 raised in 24 hours. We are so thankful for the generous donors that made this possible!”
The Day of Giving event raised a large portion of money that will end up benefitting Parkland staff, faculty and students. The purpose of the Day of Giving event was both to raise money and celebrate the 50th “birthday” of the Parkland College Foundation. “The purpose of the event was to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Parkland College Foundation which was incorporated as a charitable entity on March 6, 1969,” Wahlfeldt said. “The goal was to raise $50,000 to celebrate the past 50 years of impacting the College and our students and to jump-start the next 50 years.” The event was intended for everyone who has seen the value of the Community College to show their support and appreciation through donation. According to the Parkland website, “the inaugural daylong drive…is designed to encourage alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff and friends to help raise $50,000 toward academic scholarships, program and facility support, and related benefits disseminated through the foundation.”
With the Foundation surpassing the donation goal, Wahlfeldt believes that the event was very successful. “$69, 290 raised in 24 hours,” Wahlfeldt said. “We are so thankful for the generous donors that made this possible!” With the success of the Day of Giving event, Wahlfeldt encourages students to take advantage of the opportunities that the foundation has to offer. “Students should apply for scholarships! Our faculty, staff, retirees and community members believe in the power of education to change lives,” Wahlfeldt said. “They also strongly support Parkland College and the role we play in educating individuals, whether they are going into a career or transfer program.” Wahlfeldt and the Foundation are optimistic that current students will consider donating in the future. “I also hope that once our students move on to the next phase of their lives, that they will remember the role Parkland College has played in their educational journey and will consider a gift to the Parkland College Foundation to help other students achieve their dreams,” Wahlfeldt said.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
For more information about the about the Parkland College Foundation, visit the Parkland website at parkland.edu/foundation, or contact the Foundation at foundation@parkland.edu or 217-355-1365.
