In recent years, a fun tradition has emerged on campus. With the birth of the annual Fuel the Fire Giving Day fundraiser, a fun and fiery competition has followed suit. Dragons everywhere have begun putting their best claw forward each September in the hopes of doing as much good as possible for the University. How, you may ask? It’s simple – the department, athletic team, Greek organization, etc. that raises the most money during the campaign earns ample recognition for their hard work (and not to mention bragging rights for the next year)!
Now entering its fifth year, the annual Giving Day campaign is an opportunity for students, staff, faculty and all friends of Tiffin University to make a difference in the future of the institution through philanthropy. All of this is done with a single goal in mind – transforming students’ lives through education.
With Giving Day 2023 fast-approaching, the Dragon family thought it would be appropriate to give a shout-out to the group that earned the most in 2022 – a whopping $34,942 through 524 individual gifts. Seeing as the entire campaign raised $198,836 through 1,544 donations, the TU Track and Field Team’s contributions alone accounted for almost 20% of the grand total as well as a third of all donations made.
“Within the first hour of the campaign, we were able to raise $10,000. In the next 20 minutes, we broke $15,000 – not only meeting, but exceeding our goal,” said Kevin Kean, Head Track and Field Coach. “With the funds, we were able to give our student athletes a more enhanced experience. These resources provide us with the opportunity to overcome burdens that otherwise prevent our teams from winning trophies, allowing us to keep with our mission and not break stride. On behalf of TU’s Track and Field teams, I hope you will consider giving again or giving for the first time this year.”
Coach Kean’s teams were able to travel across the country, competing at schools in Illinois, Tennessee, North Carolina, California and Kentucky – all thanks to their efforts during the 2022 fundraiser. Additionally, the team was able to purchase new equipment, such as spiked running shoes.
“Coach Kean’s passion for Tiffin University and its growth is astonishing,” said Mikki King, Director of Annual Giving. “His dedication to the team and to his fundraising efforts clearly proved infectious last year, as he inspired his student athletes to follow suit and make a significant impact on our campus. I have no doubt the trend will continue this year, and that TU Track and Field will encourage other groups on campus to participate and give it their all for Giving Day 2023.”
According to Ines Macadam, a senior track athlete from Entre Rios, Argentina, she and the rest of the student volunteers treated last year’s Giving Day the same way they treat any of their meets – as a competition.
“We all pretended it was another ‘competition day’ – where we had to give it our best,” said Ines. “I encouraged each member of the women’s team to do their part because of how important the cause was. We met together in our indoor facility and started calling family members, friends or anyone that would be willing to donate. Having the opportunity to travel to big meets because of the donations gave me the chance to improve. Competing against some of the best in the country was not only a privilege, but it fueled my sense of competition not just for future tournaments, but for this year’s fundraiser as well – seeing the difference we made for our own.”
“Giving Day is vital for college track programs, providing essential funds for equipment, coaching, scholarships and facilities,” said senior athlete Josiah Gadson. “It fosters community involvement and helps the program thrive. I hope to see the community come together this fall and support the Dragons!”
With go-getter attitudes like that, it’s easy to see how this team came out on top last year. Only time will tell if the reigning champs will hold onto their title into 2024. Wanna help them out? Wanna dethrone them and help another worthy group take the title? Either way, there’s only one thing left to do –
To get in on the upcoming competition and show support, visit tiffin.edu/advancement/giving/giving-day or email Mikki King at kingmr@tiffin.edu.