FOUNDATION NEWS
How Children’s Literature Took the Lead on #BobcatGivingDay
BY TY DEMARTINO ’90
“We decided to put a lot of effort into #BobcatGivingDay,” says Dr. Barbara Ornstein, professor emerita of Education Professions and former CLC co-director. Ornstein and her colleagues are in the midst of a campaign to raise $40,000 in honor of the Centre’s 40th anniversary. #BobcatGivingDay was a perfect way to jumpstart their fundraising efforts.
“The #BobcatGivingDay incentive of accruing the most donors to win the $10,000 was a perfect fit for our patrons – being able to make a donation that was affordable to them,” said Ornstein, who explained the Centre’s supporters are mostly working and retired educators. She and others advocated primarily through social media and texting to their former students. It was the perfect way to reconnect with alumni and create awareness for CLC.
When the noon bell rang on Saturday, CLC secured the top spot with 174 supporters and the coveted $10,000 prize.
THE BIG PRIZE — The FSU Children’s Literature Centre won the $10,000 prize from the FSU Foundation Board of Directors for receiving the most donors during the 2022 Giving Day.
L - R: Dr. Bill Bingman and Dr. Barbara Ornstein, emeriti professors; CLC Graduate Assistants Erica Hill, Ellie Bolton and Taylor McCarty; CLC Director Dr. Sarah O’Neal; Director of Annual Giving Kathleen Breighner; and Vice President of University Advancement John Short.
“The 24 hours of Giving Day were so exciting,” Ornstein added, pointing out that everyone was watching the real-time tallies with bated breath. “We were cautiously optimistic but glued to our screens – refreshing minute-by-minute. All of us were truly in shock when the last second melted, and we had won the $10,000 prize.”
“Fund advocates like Dr. Ornstein are key to the success of any #GivingDay campaign,” said Kathleen Breighner, director of Annual Giving. “We had many people step up to represent their funds and do personal pleas, emails, letters and phone calls. And we know that we are going to get even more advocates next year.”
Nearly 100 FSU funds received upticks. Breighner is quick to thank all donors and advocates and behind-the- scenes teams who added to the success and excitement of the day. “We broke many of our internal fundraising records on #BobcatGivingDay. FSU Bobcats always answer the call when we ask for their support.”
Breighner encouraged everyone to mark their calendars for next year’s #BobcatGivingDay slated for March 1, 2023.
“It’s going to be great,” she added.
For more information on how you can advocate for an FSU fund during the next #BobcatGivingDay or make a gift at any time, contact the Office of Annual Giving at 301-687-4200.
Save the Date!
Next #BobcatGivingDay
March 1, 2023