By Catherine Brown

Virginia Commonwealth University and VCU Health received overwhelming support for its fifth annual Giving Day on April 21. Friends from all over the country — and beyond — supported the causes they cared about most, including student scholarships, faculty development, research and innovation, and comprehensive patient care.

By the end of the annual fundraising event, 5,436 supporters had donated more than $10.7 million.

Gifts of every amount contributed to a successful Giving Day. More than 1,400 donors made their first gift to VCU, and more than 1,550 gifts were less than $50.

“I am really grateful to everyone who supported VCU’s students, patients, faculty, researchers and community members on Giving Day,” VCU President Michael Rao said. “Donor support is what moves VCU and VCU Health forward as we strengthen our communities and make discoveries that impact the commonwealth, country and world.”

Giving Day took place during Philanthropy Week, a yearly event when students learn about philanthropy and recognize the generosity of the many donors who help make VCU a better place.

“VCU Giving Day is all about the power of ‘us’,” said Magnus H. Johnsson, CFRE, interim vice president of Development and Alumni Relations. “The alumni, friends and community members who champion our mission are the heart of VCU's future, and I am so grateful for their support. This year's Giving Day felt extra special as we launched Unlocking Potential: VCU's Campaign for the Future last fall — it was a chance to turn our shared dreams for VCU into a reality.”

Gifts made in support of Giving Day count toward the Unlocking Potential campaign, a $1.838 billion initiative focused on student success, research, faculty development and institutional excellence.

Did you miss Giving Day? That’s OK. You can support your favorite VCU or VCU Health cause any day of the year.

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