The DSU Heritage Foundation shot for the moon and reached the stars on Give Day 2023.
Led by the efforts of Alumni Relations and Event Coordinator Kierra Schneider (’22) and student ambassador Xander Beeson, the Foundation exceeded its goal of raising more than $100,000 in one day of targeted fundraising to support scholarships and other areas for students at Dickinson State University. Developed by Myren Moore (’14), Give Day’s 24-hour goal has grown from $20,00 to $100,000 in just three years.
“It was a heavy lift, but the supporters of Dickinson State University have always stepped up to the plate and took things to new heights this year,” Schneider said. “But I’m not surprised by the generosity shown by our DSU family.”
Schneider was a student ambassador in 2021 when the Foundation surpassed its fundraising goal of $20,000 in 24 hours, raising a total of $59,063 through mostly digital means. Emboldened by that success, the Foundation set a goal of $75,000 in 2022 and again surpassed that number with $78,042 from 278 donors.
With an ambitious goal of $100,000, the Foundation on Nov. 14 raised $102,353 from 296 donors, including $9,865.95 from 83 new donors. Donations were received from Canada, England, Germany and Mexico.
“One of our main goals is to help new donors for Dickinson State feel comfortable giving,” Schneider says. “We want everyone to feel like their gift matters no matter the size, because it does!”
Several creative fundraising opportunities helped the Foundation exceed its goal:
• A breakfast drive that provided a free coffee mug featuring the 1958 Rodeo Team complete with a hot beverage was served at the DSU Heritage Foundation house. The first $1,500 designated for rodeo was matched by the DSU Rodeo Council.
• Following the breakfast drive, a pizzalunch donated by Papa John’s was served. DSU President Steve Easton and his wife, Marivern, matched donations raised.
• The 50 State Challenge had a goal to raise two $50 donations from each U.S. state.
• The Young Alumni Challenge reached out to those who graduated in the last 10 years to show their Blue Hawk pride. The donated based on their graduation year. For example, a 2022 graduate would donate $20.22; 2018 would donate $20.18, etc.
• “This Ain’t My First Rodeo” Challenge asked former Dickinson State Rodeo athletes and supporters to donate during the breakfast drive.
Schneider congratulated and thanked those who took part in Drive Day. “You helped us raise more than $100,000 in 24 hours for student scholarships,” she said. “We feel so thankful and so proud to be part of a community that takes such pride in helping one another. This was possible because of you.”
Give Day sponsors were Joe and Sandi Frenzel of Little Missouri Cattle Co., Dakota Brotherhood, Haylee Culver, the DSU Rodeo Council, Papa Johns, President Steve and Marivern Easton, Sodexo, and all DSU Heritage Foundation board members who went above and beyond for DSU Give Day.