Aurora University students, faculty, and staff members assembled 42 fleece blankets for charities Thursday.
In a noon-hour project, about 100 campus community volunteers cut and tied blankets to be donated to World Relief and Oaken Acres Wildlife Center in Sycamore. The effort in the university banquet hall was among a week of pop-up events leading up to AU’s inaugural Day of Generosity Friday, a 24-hour fundraiser to support student scholarships and campus improvements.
Friday’s culminating events included a Day of Generosity morning breakfast and an 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.. Arts Cafe at the Hill Welcome Center.
Jen Buckley, AU interim president of advancement, said the initiative is about “having a week that’s focused on how we support our students within our community. It’s providing opportunities and coming together to help one another. It’s about not only serving our community and talking about what generosity means, but also putting it into action.”
Donation announcements were sent out to alumni and the community Buckley said.
John D. Ammons, chair of AU’s board of trustees, announced in a Friday email to alumni that the board will donate $10,000 when the Day of Generosity drive reaches 100 donors. He said, “As we hit new giving milestones, more challenge dollars will be released, keeping the momentum going and making your gift go even further.
“Every gift made counts toward our Day of Generosity, helping to create life-changing opportunities for AU students. The Board of Trustees is fully committed to this effort, with 100% participation in our fundraising initiatives, demonstrating our shared dedication to giving back.”
—Al Benson