Fundraising event raises over $12 million
On February 26, 2019, the University of Florida raised more than $12.6 million during a daylong event, Stand Up and Holler: Gator Nation Giving Day.
Giving Day, which began at 12 a.m. EST and concluded at 11:59 p.m. PST, drew 11,535 gifts from individuals around the world, including gifts from all 50 states and the giving site visited by people in 73 countries. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences received 520 gifts totaling over $670,000. By 5 p.m., UF had surpassed its initial goal of 5,000 gifts, and a new goal of
8,500 gifts was set. By 8:30 p.m. that goal was met, and an unofficial new one — 10,000 gifts — was established.
“The gifts we received will have a major impact on our college,” College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Dean David Richardson said. “Stand Up and Holler donors supported inspired programming, innovative research and experiential learning opportunities so that our students and faculty are fully empowered to pursue their passions.”
Driven mostly by email and social media, the campaign was named in recognition of the beloved Gator football game cheer made famous by George Edmondson Jr., better known to fans as “Mr. Two Bits,” who passed away in July 2019.
Edmondson’s iconic orange-and-blue striped necktie was used as a symbol to promote the campaign, with T-shirts emblazoned with ties and tie stickers handed out, and replicas as large as 30 feet long strategically placed throughout the Gainesville campus. Six campus events and 20 others in key regions across the country were also held Feb. 26 to further encourage participation.
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences received further support thanks to ROB KINCART ‘72, his wife Laurel and their family, who donated $100 for every gift made to the college, totaling an additional $52,000.
“My family was very excited to participate in the inaugural Stand Up and Holler: Gator Nation Giving Day,” Kincart said. “We are continuously inspired by the great work of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and are proud to support the college’s students, faculty and researchers in all their efforts.”
“We are so thankful for the generosity of donors like the Kincarts,” Dean Richardson said. “Their dedication to this college allows us to provide support for unique programs like Beyond120 so they can give our students the tools they need to succeed not only once they graduate from our college, but for the rest of their lives.”