University of Delaware Athletics
Record High Numbers on I Heart UD Giving Day
5/13/2021 11:00:00 AM | Delaware Athletics
NEWARK, Del. – Thanks to the generosity of its supporters, May 5, 2021, was a special day, as I Heart UD Giving Day was a success for the Blue and Gold community. Delaware Athletics and Recreation raised over $150,000 from over 1,000 donors – the largest total for a giving day in athletics history.
The University saw over 6,000 donors give to numerous areas across campus, with a total of more than $1 million raised to celebrate I Heart UD Giving Day.
"I am so proud and grateful for the incredible support from the Delaware community on I Heart UD Day," Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation Services Chrissi Rawak said. "These gifts will make a tremendous impact on the student-athletes, coaches, staff and our entire department for years to come."
The department faced financial challenges during the 2020-21 academic year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With the focus staying the same "support our more than 600 student-athletes as they compete at the highest level, excel in the classroom, and represent our community" the gifts provided on I Heart UD Giving Day will go a long way to continue to enhance the student-athlete experience.
The Delaware Athletics and Recreation Department would like to thank alumni, family and friends from all around the world that gave on I Heart UD Day and the days leading up to and after the event.
Several challenges were offered to provide a competitive aspect to giving day with an opportunity to unlock bonus gifts. These challenges were made possible due to the generous support from the UD
Alumni Association and the UD Board of Regents. The Overall Donor Challenge saw three programs rise to the occasion to unlock tiered gifts.
Overall Donor Results
$3K – Cheer, 187 donors
$2K – Dance, 166 donors
$1K - Women's Rowing, 79 donors
"We know giving helps us offer our teams the best possible experiences while here in Newark. But I think the act of giving carries more value than the gifts themselves," said Delaware Rowing Head Coach Kevin Gruber. "When UD alums are actively engaged in 'having the backs' of the current student-athletes, it's a sign of a healthy department. It's a sign of gratitude. Any well-functioning unit – couple, family, team, workplace – has a culture of reciprocity, a culture of giving. It warmed my heart to see so many of our alums contribute on Giving Day and help provide for the next generation of Blue Hen Rowers. I hope it warmed their hearts too, to be part of that effort. It's a powerful thing seeing 20+ years of alums linked in a common cause."
If you'd still like to make an impact on our Blue Hen programs, you can make a gift online by clicking here before June 30.
Full giving day numbers can be found at udel.edu/iheartud.
Read more about the overall impact that I Heart UD Giving Day had on the Blue Hens. Showing love for UD | UDaily (udel.edu)
