Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) will host its sixth annual Day of Giving on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024 with ambitious goals to rally at least 500 individual donors and secure contributions from all 50 states, in a quest to “turn the map gold.”

GSW’s Day of Giving is a significant annual event aimed at garnering essential funds and support for the University. This year, the focus will be on raising money for five key areas: Promise Scholarships, the Southwestern Annual Fund, General Athletics, the President Jimmy Carter Leadership Program and the Griffin Bell Conference Center. Donors are also encouraged to contribute to any fund that resonates with them, allowing them to support the area of GSW they value most 

“Every year, GSW’s supporters nationwide mark this day on their calendars, and we are incredibly grateful for each and every donor,” said Stephen Snyder, assistant vice president for Advancement and director of the GSW Foundation. “We’re expecting an unprecedented level of participation for the 2024 Day of Giving.”

Since the inaugural Day of Giving in 2019, GSW has increased the number of donors by 500 percent from 73 in year one to 438 last year. In total, Day of Giving funds raised has eclipsed $357,000 

Donations can be made on Sept. 19 using GSW’s online fundraising platform, Give Campus, at gsw.edu/DayOfGiving. Gifts can also be dropped off at the Newman Alumni Center on GSW’s campus or mailed ahead of time to the GSW Foundation. Checks should be made out to the GSW Foundation and mailed to P.O. Box 926, Americus, GA 31709.

Donors who make a gift of $200 or more will receive an exclusive GSW garden flag, a perfect way to showcase Hurricane spirit in yards, porches and patios across the state and country. 

In addition to monetary gifts, supporters can also contribute to the Day of Giving by dining at one of the participating local restaurants, which will generously donate a portion of their sales during select hours to the cause. A heartfelt thank you goes out to Chick-fil-A Americus, Carter’s Fried Chicken, Horne Pecan Company, Monroe’s Hotdogs, The Sweet Spot, 2 Duke’s BBQ, Sweet Georgia Bakery & Café, Wolf Creek Plantation (downtown location), Gyro City Mediterranean Grill, Scoops Americus, The Spot, The Sheppard House, The 1800, Pat’s Place, Little Brother’s Bistro, La Hacienda, Booger Bottom, The Fish House, Roman Oven Pizzeria, Toboggan Steve’s, The Alley, and The Station for their generous participation. Southfitters is also donating a portion of proceeds from their sales on Sept. 19. 

Visit www.gsw.edu/dayofgiving or follow along on the Facebook event to learn more about the funds supported and the participating restaurant times on GSW’s Day of Giving.