Sweet Briar community crushes one-day giving goal

The Sweet Briar community continues to answer the call — and then some. The College not only met its one-day giving goal of $500,000, it blew right past it.

For the second year in a row, Sweet Briar challenged supporters to raise $1 million in the first 10 days of March — starting with a “Day of Giving” in which half of that amount is given. The second goal, to raise the remaining $500,000 by March 10, coincides with the birthday of College founder, Indiana Fletcher Williams.

A total of $594,921 was raised yesterday from 642 donors. That compares to $512,000 on the College’s first Day of Giving on March 3, 2016, when 841 donors participated in the drive.

“It has been another success story of unqualified engagement in our College from our alumnae, faculty, staff, parents and friends,” said Mary Pope Hutson, vice president for alumnae relations and development, when she announced the milestone. “Thanks to each and every one of you for making it known once again that we confirm our commitment to perpetuity at the beginning of Sweet Briar Forever Month!

“Today we celebrate and are thankful for your gifts that continue to provide the extraordinary academic experience at Sweet Briar that is second to none in America and abroad.”

Mindful that this year’s March challenge is only half over, Hutson promised the College’s generous alumnae and friends would rise to the occasion again.

“Know that the [campus] bells will be ringing once again as we shoot for the moon over the next nine days to raise another five hundred thousand dollars — a birthday gift of gratitude for Indiana Fletcher Williams’ vision.”