Generous donors and unique row-a-thon challenge drive One Tribe One Day success
On April 2nd, the Batten School & VIMS celebrated William & Mary's annual giving day, One Tribe One Day. In commemoration of our 85th anniversary, members of the VIMS Foundation Board set two challenges: 500 donors would unlock $85,000 in additional contributions for the VIMS Impact Fund, while 85 first-time donors would unlock another $15,000.
Over 540 donors contributed to the Batten School & VIMS, raising more than $195,000 in total to support critical marine science research.
“Once again the Batten School & VIMS demonstrated the power of collective action through W&M's One Tribe One Day!” said Ellen Leverich, executive director of advancement and the VIMS Foundation. “Hundreds of supporters, including alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends, responded to our challenge and unlocked $100,000 to support the research and education mission of the Batten School & VIMS. Together we raised over $195,000, and we are so grateful for this generous support.”
One key subset of contributors came from the network of VIMS Foundation Board Member Bill Keithler, who asked that supporters pledge to donate a set amount of money for every kilometer he completed on a rowing machine at the Pennington CrossFit gym in New Jersey. In just under 13 hours on One Tribe One Day, Keithler completed a 100-kilometer row-a-thon (just over 62 miles) and raised over $24,000 in commitments from more than 90 people.
Keithler said he thought it was important to fundraise for the Impact Fund, an unrestricted fund dedicated to the most pressing needs of the Batten School & VIMS, "because the opportunity set is constantly evolving, so it helps my gift drive the most immediate impact.” He added, “I trust the team's vision, and so I’m just excited to bear witness to this rising wave and be along for the ride and put some extra wind into the sails if I can.”
If you missed One Tribe One Day, you can still make a difference! All gifts made to the Batten School & VIMS, regardless of the day, support our efforts to keep marine environments and coastal communities vibrant and healthy. To learn more, visit VIMS.edu/giving or contact Ellen Leverich (emleverich@wm.edu).