ASU Foundation exceeds goal for Giving Tuesday

Dedicated Sun Devil families contributed $10,831 to the ASU Sun Devil Family Association (SDFA) on Giving Tuesday, exceeding its goal by $5,831 and contributing enough to create three new scholarships and three new emergency crisis fund awards.

When matching funds were added in, the amount raised for the SDFA was $15,831.

The ASU Foundation also exceeded its employee-fundraising goal by raising $850 in gift cards to places like Target, Walmart and grocery stores for families in need.

Giving Tuesday is an annual day of giving back that occurs on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving. Creators of the holiday hope to see it become as prevalent in American society as Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Every year, the ASU Foundation and SDFA recognize this day by giving back to ASU students and families. This year, ASU parents Tim and Junette West generously offered to match every dollar donated, up to $5,000.

“Giving Tuesday is important as a day to spotlight our mission of supporting student success and building a university family community,” said Robin Okun Hengl, senior director of parent programs. Gifts made to the SDFA support student scholarships, free tutoring, an emergency crisis fund and a free Thanksgiving dinner for students who are unable to go home for the holiday. 

“The SDFA has truly been a blessing in my life, and I will forever be grateful to them," said SDFA student scholar Nicholas. "Because of them, I was able to continue getting my education at Arizona State University without having to worry about whether or not I would be able to register for classes because I was unable to pay the outstanding balance on my account.

“The family association has done more than just help me out financially, they have helped me give back to the community and the university. Because of them, I have been able to meet so many different people and help make a positive impact around the university and the community.”

Nicholas also helped volunteer at the free SDFA Thanksgiving dinner this year. Being part of the SDFA has given him a way to give back to others.

“I know that if I was unable to go home for the holidays, a warm Thanksgiving meal would truly help lift my spirits, so it is my hope that I am able to help do that for the students on Thanksgiving.”

Tania, another SDFA student scholar, emphasized the impact that the family association has had on her life as a student.

"The ASU Sun Devil Family Association has helped me to pay for my undergraduate education, and the way the activities are organized makes it feel like a family," she said. "It is not only financial support, but also emotional support.”

For more information on the ASU Foundation and its efforts for Giving Tuesday, visit asufoundation.org. For more information about the SDFA and how to give back, click here or visit asuparentsassociation.com.

To watch a video about the impact of contributions, visit http://vimeo.com/80080417. For more information on Giving Tuesday, visit http://community.givingtuesday.org/Page/IdeasandResources