In 2018, I Heart UD Giving Day inspired more than 2,100 donors to give $322,000 in support of the UD projects close to their hearts. This year, the goal is to secure 2,750 donors to more than 100 UD projects over 24 hours.

A day to make a difference

Article by Dara McBride Photos by Evan Krape and Kathy F. Atkinson May 06, 2019

Blue Hens everywhere can show their love during I Heart UD Giving Day on May 15

After Blue Hens responded with an outpouring of support during last year’s inaugural I Heart UD Giving Day, the University of Delaware is gearing up for a bigger and bolder second annual giving day on Wednesday, May 15.

Last year, this special day inspired more than 2,100 donors to give $322,000 in support of the UD projects close to their hearts. This year, the goal is to secure 2,750 donors to more than 100 UD projects over 24 hours.

“We’re calling on thousands of Blue Hens — alumni, students, faculty, parents and friends — to flock together and collectively make a lasting impact on the University through a wide array of projects,” said Drew Dinbokowitz, director of annual giving. “Last year, we were blown away to see the power of love from the University community as we exceeded our goal of getting 1,743 donors in 1,743 minutes. This year, we know we can do even more to make a difference for our students, faculty, programs and campus.”

Past projects on Giving Day included UD Athletics, the Black Alumni Organization Endowed Scholarship, the Botanic Gardens, Engineers Without Borders: International Water Access, the General Scholarship Fund, the Parents Fund and UD Chorale.

Faculty, staff, student groups, alumni and University partners who wish to raise money for a specific cause, project or program on I Heart UD Giving Day were encouraged to submit their ideas earlier this year. Demonstrating the eager anticipation for this day, applications poured in. As a result, Blue Hens will be able to choose from more than twice the number of projects offered previously and support for these causes will be accepted through the giving day website.

Hourly participation challenges will help drive momentum, offering supporters the opportunity to deepen their impact by competing for additional funds. Notably, some of last year’s most successful fundraising projects directly impacted students and had large networks that worked together to spur support.

No matter where they live, everyone is invited to participate by joining an event in their region, giving online or using the #iheartUD hashtag on social media. In addition to the digital efforts on I Heart UD Giving Day, gatherings will be held around the country to bring Blue Hens together to show their blue and gold pride while celebrating why they love UD.

The UD campus community is invited to The Green and other satellite areas on May 15 to show their love for UD and enjoy food, games, activities and prizes. While there, faculty and staff will also participate in a day-long challenge by voting for their favorite fundraising project. Last year, more than 3,000 students, faculty and staff members swarmed The Green to celebrate and share how they learn, love and give at UD.

Students this year can take a ride on the Class Cab with Blue Hen celebrities, learn about the #UDBucketList and campus traditions, and will have the opportunity to write thank you notes to donors to receive an “I Heart UD” tank top — truly bringing the day of giving and gratitude full circle.