BIG RAPIDS, Mich. — Ferris State University shared on Thursday that their Giving Tuesday effort raised more than $20,000, including $10,000 for students facing food and housing insecurity.
$10,000 was donated by supporters to go specifically to the Bulldog Basic Needs Alliance (BBNA), an emergency assistance program for students facing food or housing insecurity that could jeopardize their ability to stay in school.
The rest of the money will go to various programs supporting students.
“We are humbled and deeply excited by the support from our community and campus partners for Giving Tuesday,” said Jennifer Shaw, associate vice president for Advancement. “These funds directly impact our students, and the projects donors care most about. The participation from faculty and staff on campus to our alumni and friends in the community, drives positive change across the university.”
Chair of the BBNA committee Maggie Walcott said the program recorded an increase of 340 percent in emergency assistance requests from students from 2021-2022. As they notice students' needs increasing, they hope the committee will be able to provide "increased levels of support and promote awareness of the aid they offer students."
“We are absolutely thrilled to have raised over $10,000 for students with food and housing insecurity,” Walcott said. “Coming into the holiday season, knowing how our campus community stepped up and raised these funds to assist our students in need, is such a comfort. We are very grateful for everyone that donated to the Bulldog Basic Needs Alliance on Giving Tuesday.”
Giving Tuesday takes place every year on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, it is an international day of philanthropy. Ferris State said this year marks the first time in the universities history that more than $20,000 was raised during the event.
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