On April 3 and 4, Comets will be asked to come together and go for the gold during the eighth annual Comets Giving Days. University of Texas at Dallas officials are hoping to eclipse last year’s record-setting $2.5 million raised.
“Comets Giving Days is a great time for the entire UT Dallas community to COMETogether and go for the gold,” said Brennae Wright, senior director of alumni and annual giving programming. “With so many areas of campus participating, Comets Giving Days has grown to be a wonderful tradition and an example of what’s possible when supporters join forces.”
Launched in 2017, the two-day fundraising event — and the causes it supports — has grown into an annual campus tradition as thousands of students, alumni, employees, parents and corporate partners come together to support nearly 150 campus groups.
“Last year we had tremendous growth in the participation of a lot of friends, and that’s what we’re most proud of,” said Kyle Edgington PhD’13, vice president for development and alumni relations. “We celebrate these giving days for donations of any amount. It’s a chance for everyone — no matter their means — to take part and know where their dollar goes.”
Comets Giving Days donations have grown steadily since its first year, when the single-day event raised nearly $200,000. Last year, donations had increased more than twelvefold. Small gifts from individuals accounted for the majority of contributions: 87% of past donations were under $100, with the average gift totaling $32.46. Altogether, the event has raised more than $8.4 million in its history.
Nearly 150 campus groups and academic organizations will be participating this year. Organizations such as the Comet Cupboard, a campus food pantry for UTD students in need of assistance, usually receive significant support during the event. Other participating groups this year include Service Dogs in Training, a collegiate branch of Canine Companions, and University Emergency Medical Response, a first responder organization with professionally trained student, faculty and staff emergency medical service volunteers.
Matching gift opportunities and challenges will multiply the impact of individual donations. Specific challenges will open at various times, and supporters can view opportunities to extend their gift. Schools, centers and groups will compete for bonus funds based on donor participation.
The event will launch at 9 a.m. April 3 with a breakfast and kickoff celebration at the Davidson-Gundy Alumni Center. Faculty, staff and past donors are invited to register for the breakfast online. Attendees will have the opportunity to win bonus funds for their favorite campus causes.
Visit givingday.utdallas.edu to learn about challenges and matching gift opportunities, find organizations accepting donations, and make a gift early.
All gifts made during Comets Giving Days will contribute to UT Dallas’ ongoing New Dimensions: The Campaign for UT Dallas, which aims to raise $750 million for transformative opportunities for students, research and the arts on campus.