WATERVILLE, MAINE, April 2022 — On Wednesday April 13, Thomas College broke its one-day fundraising records during its seventh annual Day of Giving, generating over $797,000 with the help of more than 1500 donors.
The effort raised funds for a variety of priorities, including scholarships; the Thomas Fund, the College’s annual fund; athletic teams; and its new sports center, which is on track to open in late summer.
“We started this tradition in 2016, piloting a giving day to raise $25,000 for scholarships,” said Thomas College President Laurie G. Lachance. “Fast forward to this year and we had very ambitious targets of raising $750,000 with the help of 1500 donors. What the Thomas community has done to rally around our students and invest in their success – it is truly remarkable.”
Individual donors collectively offered a $300,000 match for all donations made, with several additional matching funds for special projects available. And if 1500 donors contributed, it unlocked an additional $150,000 in support. The results broke the 2021 record of 1244 donors and $663,770 raised.
The College created a festival-like atmosphere on campus to encourage students to participate at any level, hosting events from a giant bubble-making demo to a puppy park, dunk tank, and cornhole tournament. Participation from the Class of 2022 ranked highest among all classes by donor count, with 132 members contributing.
“Donors’ support helps make our Thomas experience more affordable, accessible, and enriching,” said student Jackson Ladd, a management major from Winthrop, ME, who volunteered, donated, and enlisted family and friends to join. “Thank you so much to everyone who gave. It really does go a long way.”
About Thomas College: Thomas College has been preparing students for success in their personal and professional lives for over 125 years. Thomas College nurtures the unique potential within each student. Our Guaranteed Job Program, 3-year accelerated offerings in all undergraduate degrees, individualized advising, career counseling, and our Innovation Centers in Business and Education meet a student’s determination to succeed with the direction, confidence, and tools to realize the highest version of themselves. Our graduate degree offerings fit your lifestyle ranging from in-person and on-campus to 100% online degree programs. From the classroom to community activities, or on the athletics field with our 19 varsity sports, Thomas College provides a personalized experience that prepares you for the workplace of tomorrow. U.S. News & World Report ranks us #1 among colleges in Maine and #10 in the Northeast for social mobility of our graduates. For more information, visit www.thomas.edu or contact MacKenzie Riley Young at pr@thomas.edu or 207-859-1313. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.