On Friday, April 24, 2015, Houghton will observe its second-ever one-day giving challenge. The challenge gives the Houghton community a chance to support the college within a twenty-four hour period. The day emphasizes Houghton’s unity, offering alumni, students, faculty, staff, and their connections the chance to give together.
Last year, Houghton issued this challenge for the first time, raising $746,304 within the day. This year promises even greater potential, as donors have offered $200,000 in dollar for dollar matches as compared to last year’s $150,000. Additionally, the donors have promised $300,000 if there are 1500 or more donors during the day, while last year, $100,000 was promised for 500 donors. “Any amount of gift counts,” Rick Melson explained. With each participant, Houghton is one step closer to unlocking the $300,000.
Donations throughout the day can be put toward a number of Houghton related causes, including capital projects, endowment, the student scholarship fund, or general giving. The dollar for dollar matched $200,000, however, applies only to donations given to the student scholarship fund as well as general giving. Pledges and gifts can be made in the campus center, by phone, at the office of advancement, or online.
The online element is critical, as Amy Tetta notes the one-day giving challenge is “very social media driven.” There will be several videos throughout the day starring President Mullen and current Houghton students. Additionally, a specific hashtag can be used. Last year #OneHoughton was the slogan of the one-day giving challenge, uniting the Houghton community across social media and bringing attention to the challenge. This year #IAmHoughton is the trademark phrase, signifying, as Rick Melson said, “We are all Houghton.” Amy Tetta explained it further stating, “We’re all Houghton as a group, but it takes individuals to stand up and say ‘I am Houghton.’”
The hashtag helps advertise the event, since the challenge is very much centered on the idea of one day. Although this year the Houghton community will have a little more time to prepare for it, Melson emphasized the idea was “a big focus on Houghton College for one day.” Tetta echoed this. “This is the day, this is the challenge,” she explained. “There’s not a lot of build up.” The giving day runs from midnight to midnight, with the challenges of the donors expiring on April 25.
The one-day giving challenge gives Houghton the unique chance to give together. “It’s an exciting day. It gives us a chance to come together,” Tetta said. Melson also anticipates the day. “Last year we just had such great success. The one-day giving challenge is an incredible opportunity for Houghton alumni and friends to rally together on one day to support Houghton college.”