Gardner-Webb Alumni Relations Hosts Philanthropy Week – April 4-7

Activities Celebrate University’s Philanthropists and Provide Opportunities to Give Back

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The Gardner-Webb Office of Alumni Relations will host Philanthropy Week on April 4-7. Daily activities will celebrate the University’s philanthropists and the financial gifts they have made to GWU, as well as encourage students to give back to the community. 

“We want to annually demonstrate our gratitude toward the families and foundations that have supported Gardner-Webb’s mission through the decades,” affirmed Leah Clevenger, director of Alumni relations and a GWU ’98 and ’02 alumna. “We also want to create awareness about philanthropy amongst our students. This year, we are excited to offer a Scavenger Hunt on April 7 for students. The friendly competition will get them out across campus completing fun tasks that will teach them about our philanthropists and will also get them involved in philanthropic activities.” 

The Scavenger Hunt coincides with University’s Annual Day of Giving, Double Dawg Day. On this day, supporters have the chance to take advantage of matching opportunities that could double the impact of their gifts.

Additionally, students and members of the campus community will have a chance to participate in “Philanthropy on the Fly” events, which provide various opportunities for them to help people in the community. “We will have students making PB&J sandwiches for a local homeless shelter, writing thank you letters to donors, and we are partnering with the Student Government Association to pack weekend backpacks with food for local school children,” Clevenger noted. “We are looking forward to creating awareness about philanthropy while having fun with our students.”

The activities for the week include:

• Monday, April 4 – Celebrating GWU Philanthropists: Gift Tags will be placed across campus to celebrate the generosity of GWU’s philanthropic families and foundations. Students, faculty and staff will find tags in locations like Tucker Student Center, Dover Library, O. Max Gardner Hall, as well as sport facilities like Spangler Stadium and Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center.

• Tuesday, April 5 – Philanthropy on the Fly: Stop by Tucker Student Center at 3 p.m. to fill backpacks with food for the weekend. These backpacks go home with children in the community.

• Wednesday, April 6, Let’s Thank The Donors!: Visit the Thank-a-Donor stations and write or record messages of gratitude to donors. Outside the Caf at 11 a.m. and outside Tucker at 2 p.m.

• Thursday, April 7, Annual Day of Giving (Double Dawg Day): Participate in the Second Philanthropy on the Fly of the week by making PB&J sandwiches for local homeless shelter residents. Outside the Caf at 11 a.m.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to six professional schools, 14 academic departments, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.