$36,424 Raised for CSM Scholarships, Programs on #GivingTuesday



LA PLATA, Md. (Dec. 19, 2015)—The overwhelming generosity of alumni, friends, faculty and staff pushed the College of Southern Maryland Foundation beyond its hopes as 163 donors gave $36,424 for CSM's scholarships and programs during this year's #GivingTuesday on Dec. 1.

The 24-hour online #GivingTuesday event and one-day social media campaign is an international day focused on philanthropy and giving to others, following Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday. Donations to CSM's #GiveCSM 24-hour event supported scholarships to help students afford degree programs as well as career and trades programs; attract the best and brightest in our region, encourage completion of degrees and certificates, and support student life and athletics.

"We, as a community college, depend on private donations and private-public partnerships to maintain a high standard of quality and affordable education and career training," said CSM President Dr. Brad Gottfried, who with his wife Linda were the college's first donors on #GivingTuesday, supporting scholarships. "The college remains concerned about the mounting student debt crisis and hopes that students and parents realize that CSM is their best choice for starting their academic career, and scholarships make it an even more affordable choice for many."

Created by 92nd Street Y, a cultural center in New York City, #GivingTuesday is in its fourth year. With 71 countries participating in 2015, #GivingTuesday saw more than 698,960 donors participate worldwide giving $116.7 million. Through Razoo, CSM's online giving platform, the CSM Foundation was among the top participating nonprofit organizations with Razoo, ranking 20th among 753 large nonprofits.

"Our goal was to raise $30,000 in one day for scholarships and to make it a fun event by giving in various ways," said CSM Foundation Chair Rané Franklin. "We are very pleased with the results and surpassing our goal. We are grateful to our many sponsors and supporters for the impact they are making through their gifts, and we want to thank them all."

This year the need and focus was on supporting scholarships for all CSM students in Calvert, Charles and St. Mary's counties, and donors were able to double their impact by giving to a "matching" scholarship fund, in which every dollar donated to specific scholarships was matched by the donor. CSM's Matchmaker sponsors included AVIAN, Calvert County Chamber of Commerce, Linda Cox in memory of Donald R. Cox, Neany, Inc., Val Nyce and Toni Zanelotti Kruszka. For a complete listing of the matching scholarships, visit foundation.csmd.edu/news-events/

CSM's Power Hour sponsors included Coldwell Banker Jay Lilly Real Estate, Exelon Generation, Mason Investment Advisory Services, Inc., SMECO and Vyalex Management Systems. #UNselfie sponsors were CSM Foundation Directors Greg and Becky Cockerham, Leah Estevez, Ruth Ann Ferrell, Franklin, Nancy Hempstead, Capt. Glen and Barbara Ives, Brenda Lowe, Jean Marie and Donald McDougall, Vickie Kite Milburn, Kim Rosenfield, Birdie Shannon and Gary Simpson.

Power hour prize winners were Joanne Ray, receiving a gift certificate to Brick Wood Fired Bistro and Calvert Marine Museum package; Bob Cochrane, receiving tickets and parking to a University of Maryland men's basketball game; Chris Zimmermann, receiving a spa package to Jacqueline Morgan Day Spa and Annmarie Garden package; F. Ellsworth Geib Jr., receiving tickets to the Wizards vs. Celtics basketball game; and Bill McGee, receiving zip line passes to Empower Adventures.

Donations may continue to be made to the CSM Foundation at impact.csmd.edu. Photos reflecting the day's activities are available at csmphoto.zenfolio.com/givetues2015.

Throughout #GivingTuesday, scholarship recipients at the College of Southern Maryland made phone calls and delivered balloon bouquets to thank those who donated funds totaling $36,424 to CSM during the 24-hour online giving day. Delivering a thank you is CSM student Emily Smith, left, to CSM Senior Circulation Manager Anita Warnes. (Photo: CSM)
Throughout #GivingTuesday, scholarship recipients at the College of Southern Maryland made phone calls and delivered balloon bouquets to thank those who donated funds totaling $36,424 to CSM during the 24-hour online giving day. Delivering a thank you is CSM student Emily Smith, left, to CSM Senior Circulation Manager Anita Warnes. (Photo: CSM)

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