Giving Tuesday 2020 Exceeds Goal
MACOMB/Moline, IL – Giving Tuesday is a worldwide fundraising movement held the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving, and Western Illinois University has taken part since 2014. The 2020 event, which was held Dec. 1, is the most successful in WIU’s six-year Giving Tuesday history, raising over $35,000, and a matching gift challenge of $5,000 for the WIU Student Emergency Fund set by WIU alumna Jody McCamey, in memory of her late husband Bill, a 30-year WIU law enforcement and justice administration professor, was also met during the 24-hour giving event.
This year’s goal was to raise at least $15,000, with $10,000 of that goal specifically designated for the WIU Student Emergency Fund. More than $13,000 was raised for the emergency fund.
“We are so deeply appreciative of the gifts we received during the 2020 Giving Tuesday event, and we offer a special thank you to Jody 
McCamey for always thinking about her alma mater and our students. Considering that this year has presented so many challenges for so many people due to the pandemic, we are overwhelmed at the generosity of the more than 215 donors that showed up to support WIU and our students,” said Tim Hallinan ’95, director of the WIU Foundation’s Annual Fund. “The COVID-19 crisis has affected so many of our students and their families, and the WIU Student Emergency Fund is critical to provide support for students in need.”
WIU established the WIU Student Emergency Fund in April 2020 to assist its students affected by the ongoing pandemic. To date, more than 130 students have received financial assistance from the WIU Student Emergency Fund.
“Bill always said, ‘Western provided him the best job in the world. During breaks, he often shared his hope that all students were able to return home for the holidays, and worried for those who couldn’t. In his memory, I wanted to help students, in need, spend time with their families,” Jody said. “Western is special to me, and it was to Bill, so I am glad I can help make the holidays special for some students who might need some extra assistance.”
During WIU’s Purple and Gold Day of Caring on April 24, the WIU Foundation, which matched $25,000 for the fund, raised over $114,000 for WIU Student Emergency Fund. The emergency fund grants do not have to be repaid.
“We offer our most heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supports our students, not only on Giving Tuesday, but every day,” said Brad Bainter, executive director of the WIU Foundation. “This particular year has provided greater financial challenges for our students, and anything we can do to help ease their stress and financial burdens is part of the WIU Foundation’s mission. Again, thank you.”
While Giving Tuesday occurs once a year, individuals interested in supporting their favorite area at Western may do so any time by visiting wiu.edu/giving or by calling (309) 298-1861.
