Students on campus always hear about philanthropy in terms of Greek life. This week though, that changed. The Student Alumni Association put together a week of events to help give back to the university. Junior Kayleigh Koester helped organize the events and explains what all goes on during the week.
What is Philanthropy@Drake?
Philanthropy@Drake is a project aimed at celebrating the tremendous history of giving at Drake University. It is designed to educate and inspire students to “give back” to each other and the campus community through a variety of projects that occur throughout the week.
How can students get involved?
Go to the our Facebook page (DrakeSAA) click the “Philanthropy Week” tab and follow the link to the online home of Philanthropy@Drake — trust us, this is the site you’re going to want to have bookmarked for the entire week. Updates and information on our daily projects, tweets and pictures about the surprises in store — It’ll all be there.
What is new for this year’s Philanthropy@Drake?
This year we decided to take it one step further and celebrate philanthropy by doing it. We are conducting an “11 in 11” student-giving campaign that challenges 11 percent of the student body to donate something, anything. We know that a lot of students don’t have a lot to give. That’s all right. What’s important to us is participation — that’s why the goal is a percentage and not a number. The really cool thing is that by giving a little, Drake can get a lot — if we hit our 11 percent goal, National Alumni Board President Joe Aiello and his wife Leslie will give $11,000 to support student scholarships.
How can students donate?
Gift forms will be distributed to all major campus buildings. Look for forms on lobby tables, etc. There will also be SAA volunteers walking around the public parts of campus handing them out. To donate, simply take that form and bring it with your gift to any residence hall front desk. Seal it in an envelope at the front desk and put it in the Philanthropy@Drake box. SAA will come collect it from there.
What is the Puppy Party?
The Puppy Party is a fun way to celebrate at the end of a successful Philanthropy Week. Philanthropy is a fun thing, and it deserves to be celebrated. This year we are partnering with the Bulldog Club of Central Iowa to bring in 15 bulldogs to celebrate with. It’s going to be slobbery smiles, free food and some very profile-picture-worthy photo
How can students get to hang out with those 15 Bulldogs?
Since we’re hoping to also celebrate a successful “11 in 11” project and announce our final totals at the party, we’re making the Puppy Party an exclusive event — only students who give to the project will be allowed past our “bouncer” and in to play with the puppies. The fun begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Medbury Honors Lounge and continues until 7:30 p.m. If you forgot to donate during the week but still want to see the puppies, don’t fret. We’ll have materials to donate at the door.
