Sweet Briar College sets all-time record for March Days of Giving

Posted on March 18, 2019 by Amy Ostroth


Fletcher, library, Benedict
Sweet Briar College has made history again. Our alumnae, parents, faculty, staff and friends are unrivaled, raising over $2.2 million in just the first 10 days of March. This exceeded previous records from the last three years.

“Our alumnae and friends are really extraordinary,” said President Meredith Woo. “They are undaunted and determined that our College will continue to set the pace for what liberal arts colleges should be. It’s an honor to be a part of this amazing and dedicated community.”

Each year, March Days of Giving is an opportunity for the College’s extended community to show its commitment to and confidence in Sweet Briar. This year, the first goal was to raise $500,000 on March 1. The community rallied to meet that goal, raising $507,133 in less than 24 hours.

The second challenge was to raise another $500,000 between March 2 and 10. Those dollars were fueled by a very generous challenge gift from an anonymous donor who wanted to catalyze giving to the College. Sweet Briar’s alumnae and friends exceeded that challenge, raising more than $1.2 million, ensuring the College will receive the full match. The total raised during March Days of Giving in 2019 came to $2,213,998.

“I am in awe of the fact that our alumnae and other donors have helped us raise over 20 percent of our $10 million fundraising goal in just 10 days,” said Mary Pope M. Hutson ’83, vice president for alumnae relations and development. “In our fourth year of unprecedented fundraising, this level of generosity shows an inordinate amount of commitment to and faith in the College.”

The College has now raised $7 million toward its overall goal of $10 million for fiscal year 2019. Gifts in support of that goal can be made through June 30 at sbc.edu/give.