Double Dawg Day Breaks Fundraising Records at Gardner-Webb

$766,131 Raised for One-Day Event Eclipses Previous Record

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The seventh annual Double Dawg Day on April 7 was a record-breaking success by raising $766,131 (exceeding last year’s total by $450,534). Each of the 1,329 gifts has a direct and lasting impact on the success of Gardner-Webb University and its students.

With a bounty of  enthusiastic support from 42 states, and from as far away as Italy and Liverpool, England, the GWU community accepted the challenge. “Gardner-Webb’s loyal alumni and friends stepped up in a big, big way this year,” praised GWU President William Downs.  “Double Dawg Day has evolved into a format that now rewards donors for directing their gifts to specific areas where their passions are the greatest.  Passion fuels philanthropy, and Bulldog Nation really demonstrated its love and devotion to GWU in 2022.  We’re thrilled and grateful for the results of this year’s 24 hours of giving!”  

Donors displayed school spirit by investing generously in the areas that mean the most to them. These included scholarship and program support for academics and matching gifts for many of the athletic programs, the Christian Service Organization, and contributions to virtually every aspect of campus life.

According to Nate Evans, vice president for Advancement at GW, this record-breaking event was “Absolutely amazing! With the support of alumni, parents, and friends, we reached new heights, more than doubling last year’s total. I am grateful to our campus community and donors who have personally invested in the future of Gardner-Webb.” He added, “This record year highlights what can happen when our loyal and tenacious Bulldog Family stands behind our mission and comes together to invest in our future.”

Kanisha Fowler, assistant director of Annual Giving at GWU, echoed the energy and success of the day. “Double Dawg Day was extremely exciting! This is our favorite day of the year because it’s a chance to celebrate the power of philanthropy with Bulldog Nation. The dollars donated on Double Dawg Day have a lasting impact on the campus community throughout the year!  It’s fun to see the different departments and teams get competitive and support their cause.”

Double Dawg Day Leaderboard Spotlights

• Gardner-Webb Men’s and Women’s Soccer raised the most funds for athletic programs
• The College of Health Sciences raised the most funds for academic program support
• The GWU Wrestling Program had the most donors with 269
• Bailey Wigness won the Ambassador Challenge by recruiting 46 donors

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.