Emergency resources, scholarships, and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives were just a few areas that received significant support as a result of two spring fundraising events at the 糖心vlog视频.
Combined, the events will not only impact student success, but they also connected members of the broader community to the campus and to each other.
Husky Giving Day
On April 8, more than 200 gifts were made to UW Bothell during the 24-hour campaign to celebrate the power of philanthropy on the lives of students. The donations 鈥 ranging from $5 to $5,000 鈥 supported campus-wide initiatives such as the Black Opportunity Fund, the COVID-19 Emergency Student Fund and Community Engagement, as well as programs within the five schools on campus: Business, Educational Studies, Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences, Nursing & Health Studies and STEM.
鈥淢y favorite part of Husky Giving Day this year was seeing the enthusiasm of our deans to make the day a success,鈥 said Keshia Link, director of donor services and development operations. 鈥淭hey challenged themselves to be creative in their approach and came up with some innovative ways to define success for their participation.鈥
In recognition of the influence social media can have in educating and connecting people, goals for the day were centered around increasing 鈥渓ikes鈥 and followers and around the amount of times hashtags were shared, rather than a specific dollar amount donated.
鈥淭he more exposure we get on our Facebook page, the more people will learn about the great work of our faculty and students,鈥 said Dr. Bruce Burgett, dean of the School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences. 鈥淭hat will inevitably lead to support in some other way, whether it鈥檚 more shares, more students on our campus or more funds for our programs.
鈥淎bove and beyond the incredible generosity that we saw that day,鈥 said Burgett. 鈥渢he exposure gained and camaraderie built online on Husky Giving Day are immeasurable.鈥
Husky 5K
For the second year in a row, the Husky 5K 鈥 which is in its 16th year 鈥 was a virtual event. And it was a virtual success, said Tiffany Kirk, interim director of alumni engagement.
鈥淲e had more than 400 participants from 13 states,鈥 she said. 鈥淭hat was amazing, given it was around the time some pandemic restrictions were lifting and people had many more options for spending their weekend outdoors or in groups.
鈥淚t speaks to the experience our alumni had at UW Bothell,鈥 she said. 鈥淭hey want to stay engaged and support current students to be successful.鈥
The Husky 5K is organized by alumni for alumni (and friends). Members of UW Bothell鈥檚 Alumni Council, led by Mary Howisey (Society, Ethics & Human Behavior 鈥02), secure sponsors, rally participants and manage race-day logistics. Community partner AT&T, which sponsored the 2020 Block Party & BrewFest, returned this year to support the event again.
Dogs and the top Dawg
While typically a 5K run/walk, this year鈥檚 5K 鈥渞ace鈥 involved fitness classes including barre, dance, spin, strength and yoga. From social media posts and direct feedback, participants reported having a great time with the option they chose. The most fun, however, may have been had by the dogs.
鈥淭he dogs were out in force this year,鈥 said Kirk. 鈥淚t鈥檚 always been a dog-friendly event, but something about the cape we shared got the dogs and their owners excited about participating. I loved seeing it!鈥
One such dog sporting the purple cape was Dubs, the top Dawg himself. He had surprise visits with many people throughout the day, dropping by participants鈥 homes and posing for photos on campus.
The fun then turned into funds as the event raised $11,000 for UW Bothell鈥檚 COVID-19 Emergency Student Fund, which helps students by paying for utilities, computer equipment and access to the internet. Having these basic needs for technology met has meant students could continue their studies during the pandemic.
A supportive community
The pride and collaborative spirit that resulted from both events demonstrate the impact of people coming together for a common purpose.
Both Link and Kirk also emphasized the generosity of the UW Bothell community during this virtual reality.
鈥淲e remain grateful for the continued support of our donors and alumni to ensure our students are successful,鈥 they said. 鈥淲e look forward to when we can again host events and thank them in person.鈥
