The 2019 Pitt Day of Giving raised $4.2 million from a record 6,346 donors, including faculty, staff, students, parents, alumni and friends of Pitt from all 50 states and 17 countries.
The third annual 24-hour fundraising event, in commemoration of the University’s founding on Feb. 28, 1787, supports scholarships, research, academic programs, student activities and initiatives such as the new Panthers Forward program for Pitt seniors.
Gifts were made to every University of Pittsburgh school, college and campus. The number of donors increased 89 percent compared to last year, although nearly $9 million was raised last year.
The largest outpouring of support for Pitt included gifts from 1,485 Pitt faculty and staff, compared to 808 last year.
“This whole effort is about community and giving. When that comes together on one day, it’s simply amazing,” Kris Davitt, vice chancellor for development and alumni relations and president of the Medical and Health Sciences Foundation, said in a news release. “Having all of these individuals engage like this is a great source of strength for the University.”
Several challenges throughout the day earned extra prizes for various Pitt schools, programs and student groups. The prize winners for top number of participants in four categories included:
Schools or Colleges: The School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences received $25,000. Pitt–Johnstown earned $15,000 and Pitt–Greensburg earned $10,000.
Places, Experiences and More: The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute claimed $25,000.
Students Organizations: Pitt Club Tennis was first to earn $5,000.
Athletics: The University Band Fund was first to earn $5,000.
For more details, go to @Pitt or the Pitt Day of Giving website.