By Andrew Skerritt
Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) Annual Day of Giving, “1887 Strikes,” fundraising campaign received a major boost as Frank Baker, co-founder and managing partner of Siris, a private equity firm, has agreed to match every dollar donated during the Day of Giving, up to $300,000.
Baker’s pledge comes on the heels of commitments from President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., and others.
The Day of Giving kicks off at 9 a.m. Thursday, April 21. Friends, alumni, faculty, students, and staff are being asked to support a broad range of initiatives and scholarships to benefit students.
President Robinson in an attempt to stretch the donations made by students, has pledged to match every dollar students donate to the Day of Giving, for the second year in a row.
“The Annual Day of Giving keeps students at the center of what we do at Florida A&M University. They come to us with their talents and aspirations but often need a hand getting over the finish line,” Robinson said. “This campaign is about providing the support students need to succeed. Without reservation, I remind everyone to don’t just give until it hurts, give until you’re numb. This is one investment in students and our future you will never regret.”
Donors can designate their gifts to schools and colleges, endowed scholarships, athletics or FAMU Cares, which provides emergency assistance to students.
FAMU Trustee Kimberly Moore, Ed.D., has agreed to match every dollar a student donates to the Day of Giving again this year.
FAMU Foundation Board Member Marcelia Freeman has agreed to match every new gift dollar-for-dollar made during the Day of Giving, up to $100,000.
This year’s Annual Day of Giving runs 1887 minutes, from 9 a.m. Thursday, April 21 to 4:27 p.m. Friday, April 22. Tune in to the kickoff ceremony at FAMUTube1887 and on Facebook. To give, visit 1887Strikes.com.
The campaign begins with a 9 a.m. kickoff featuring President Robinson and members of the Senior Leadership Team. Among the other highlights of the campaign are virtual appearances by prominent alumni and a drive-thru parade and FAMUly Reunion event in conjunction with Set Friday, from noon to 2 p.m. Friday, near the Will Packer Performing Arts Amphitheater as donors drive through the Amphitheater loop to drop off cash or checks.
This year’s goal is 3,000 donors, including 1,300 new donors. In 2021, donors contributed $459,549 to the day of giving fundraising campaign.
Shawnta Friday-Stroud, Ph.D., vice president for University Advancement and executive director of the FAMU Foundation, hopes donors continue to be generous.
“The annual Day of Giving is a celebration of our commitment to this University and to the future generations who will walk on our campuses. Once again, we are asking our alumni and supporters to invest generously in our students,” Friday-Stroud said. “The past two years have shown that their giving makes a significant difference in the lives of our students, and for that, we are eternally thankful. But there’s much more work to be done because the needs are still great.”
1887 Strikes Schedule of Events
Thursday, April 21
9 a.m.: Day of Giving Kickoff LIVE on FAMU’s Facebook page and YouTube channel
5 p.m. : FAMU VIBE at 5 with 90.5 FM on WANM.org
Friday, April 22
Noon – 2 p.m.: FAMUly Reunion- Set Friday Edition. Donors drop off their cash and checks as they drive through the Amphitheater loop from S. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
3:27 p.m. – 4:27 p.m.: 1887 Strikes LIVE on Instagram via @FAMU_1887 featuring FAMUMADE celebrity guests and alumni.
