Tabor College raised over $70,400 during its first “Jay Day of Giving” campaign Oct. 3-4.
“The purpose of the Jay Day of Giving was to engage alumni and friends of Tabor with mission and value messages through compelling stories that reunite them with the difference Tabor makes in lives,” said Tom Shaw, vice-president of Advancement.
“Tabor promoted participation in a visual way, using video, social media and a special web-based technology to encourage viral and organic interest in this campaign and generosity toward Tabor,” Shaw added.
The Jay Day team developed a half dozen video interviews with Tabor College alumni, faculty and friends. Interest in Tabor spiked with the videos generating 1,435 views, and social media generated engagement of over 5,000 individuals.
To generate additional interest in the campaign, organizers promoted a friendly competition between Team Gold (even-year graduates) and Team Blue (odd-year graduates). Team Gold won bragging rights with contributions totaling $50,976 while Team Blue contributed $18,780.
“Key to this positive outcome was the generosity of a number of established donors who contributed challenge funds to help motivate other alums and friends to make gifts during Jay Day,” Shaw said.
“Tabor is grateful for so many that engaged with this event in various ways,” said President Jules Glanzer. He added, “This kind of response notes the love that our constituents have toward Tabor and how much they resonate with our Tabor Promise.”
Building on the success of this event next fall is a priority. Campus organizers are already putting plans into place to expand the impact and outcomes of the Jay Day in 2020.