Community Generosity Shines: Middlesex College Giving Day Raises Record Contributions for Student Support
More than 170 donors gave over $36k during the annual fundraising event.
Each year the Middlesex College Foundation hosts Giving Day – a day dedicated to uplifting students by ensuring they have the tools, support, and opportunities to succeed as they pursue their educational goals. This 24-hour giving event empowers the community to make an impact by directing support to one or more critical student areas.
“Events like Giving Day raise awareness of the needs of our students for our Middlesex College community and the greater Middlesex County community,” said Middlesex College President Mark McCormick. “When our students thrive, we all thrive. Especially at this time of year, sharing our abundance with other members of our college community strengthens our bonds with one another and sparks a sense of joy.”
In total, the Middlesex College Foundation raised $36,563 — 14 percent over the original goal. More than 170 individuals made gifts to support our students, including successfully meeting the Foundation Board of Trustees challenge match of $6,875.
“We are deeply grateful for the generosity shown on Giving Day,” said Middlesex College Foundation Executive Director Lisa Kelly. “Every gift, from $5 to $5,000, made a real difference. This success reflects the power of collective impact.”
Contributions sustain vital resources to support students, including the College’s Community Resource Hub and Food Pantry, Student Emergency Fund, Chromebook Ownership Program, and Student Leadership Initiative.
“The funds raised on Giving Day will help keep our student food pantry operational,” said Middlesex College Community Resource Coordinator Amanda Lyons. Since the beginning of the Fall semester, the pantry has had 3,001 visits, serving 543 individual students. “Each of those students faces multiple barriers to continuing their education and the support from Giving Day offers a helping hand and provides hope and the determination to persevere.”
“I give to the food pantry on Giving Day because I know how hard our students work,” said Mathematics Professor Jennifer Applebee. “No one can focus on learning with an empty stomach or concerned about basic needs. Supporting the pantry is one small way, outside of the classroom, I can help students stay on the path to success and graduation.”
This year’s Giving Day was the first to include the Student Leadership Initiative as a donation option. The funds will directly support student opportunities for leadership society memberships, local/national conference attendance, workshops, and other experiences that help strengthen leadership skills.
“The success of our students extends beyond academics,” said Student Life Director Zulema Cheek. “Including personal development, confidence, and leadership growth is vital in preparing students for their future endeavors.”
Other donation options for Giving Day included the Student Emergency Fund, to help students in crisis with essentials such as rent, utilities, or transportation, and the Chromebook Ownership Program. With an emphasis on digital equity, this program provides Chromebooks to students so they can access the technology needed to complete their coursework.
“My hope is that my gift [on Giving Day] and the gifts of others, will multiply and meet every student’s needs,” said Lisa McNeill, a current student at the College.
To learn more about the Middlesex College Foundation, visit middlesexcollege.edu/foundation/
