Peru State's "Giving Day" Exceeds Goals
It was a new venture for Peru State College and its Foundation as it undertook its first "Giving Day" on October 24.
By News Channel Nebraska
(Peru, Neb.) – It was a new venture for Peru State College and its Foundation as it undertook its first "Giving Day" on October 24. October 24 was the 152nd anniversary of the College's first day of classes and is celebrated as the College's birthday each year.
"The Peru State College Giving Day was a day to celebrate the Bobcat family through volunteerism and philanthropy," said Becca Jewell, Interim CEO of the Peru State Foundation.
"This single-day online fundraising and volunteer event for Peru State, brought together students, alumni, faculty, staff and friends to give back to our communities and – through philanthropy grant opportunities for the next generation of Bobcats at Peru State."
While gifts and reports of the volunteerism are still coming in, College officials are viewing the day as a success in both areas with goals surpassed in philanthropy and volunteerism.
"I'm incredibly proud of our Bobcat family," said Dr. Dan Hanson, President of Peru State. "Our students, alumni and friends stepped forward on Giving Day to give back to our communities, support students and celebrate Peru State College."
The Giving Day goals were set at securing 152 donors and having over 152 student volunteers during the giving period. The results far exceed those initial goals. Both goals were met through the actual 24-hour period, but more generosity tied to the event is still being received.
As of November 19, there have been 234 donors who have contributed $39,217 to support students. The documented student volunteerism shows 174 student volunteers putting in over 516 hours of service.
Fifteen different student groups have reported on their Giving Day service activities. Members of the planning group believe additional student groups were also involved in several projects.
Student organizations reporting their efforts include Council for Exceptional Children, American Sign Language, Peru State Catholic Union, Red Cross Club, Christian Student Fellowship (CSF), Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), Rotaract, National Association for Music Education, Peru Association of Student Athletes (PASA), Phi Alpha Theta and Social Science Club, Art Club, PRIDE, Black Student Union (BSU), Checkmate, Student Senate, Campus Activities Board (CAB), Science Club, and Book Club.
Bobcat Bob assisted members of the Christian Student Fellowship, Fellowship of Christian
encompasses the campus.
The Council for Exceptional Children partnered with the American Sign Language group to write inspirational notes and hung them around campus and in the community.
The Peru State Catholic Union and Red Cross Club made birdhouses and hung them up around the campus.
Christian Student Fellowship, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Student Senate, and Rotaract collectively worked together to assist in the cleaning and maintenance of the trail around the campus.
Peru Association of Student Athletes did a week-long collection of personal hygiene and winter-related items which are being donated to Project Response and SENCA. This was done in collaboration with the month's Make A Difference Day. Over 1,000 items were collected which will help those in need in Nemaha County and the surrounding area.
Black Student Union prepared 152 cards of encouragement to be distributed for the Auburn Backpack Program, Good Samaritan Nursing Home, and Long's Creek Assisted Living.
Campus Activities Board members helped pick up trash around the city of Peru.