Illinois State’s Redbird Philanthropy Week returns the week of February 20. More than 1,400 students participated in Birds Give Back last year.
“I participated in Redbird Philanthropy Week last year and it was such a rewarding experience. It’s so cool to see so many people, including my own peers, helping to better ISU,” said Karly Strand, a junior at Illinois State University.
This year’s theme—Everyone is a Philanthropist—will teach Illinois State University students about philanthropy and encourage them to support in any manner they can.
“This year we are targeting a goal of 3,000 gifts during our fifth annual Birds Give Back. The amazing thing about giving day is that it’s really about participation,” shared Senior Managing Director of Annual Giving and Philanthropy Engagement Jillian Nelson. “Whether you can give $5 or $5,000, just showing up, supporting the causes that matter to you, and spreading the word can help unlock challenges and unite our philanthropic powers to make a transformational impact. Over the last five years, we have raised more than $3.5 million in challenges, pledges, and gifts. I can’t wait to see what we do this year!”
The fifth annual Redbird Philanthropy Week event will be held in person on Wednesday, February 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Bone Student Center Prairie Room. A variety of experiences will allow students to engage with philanthropy. Some stations include a Kahoot game, Spin the Wheel, a Thank You Post Card station, and a ThankView station.
There will also be opportunities to win great prizes. The first 200 Redbird Philanthropy Quest participants will receive a t-shirt. Students can win other prizes in the various stations such as tumblers, mugs, t-shirts, socks, card holders, blankets, and pins. By completing the Philanthropy Quest, students will be entered to win the ultimate prize of a pair of AirPods Pro.
This year, a new opportunity called Dollars for Donuts allows students to buy donuts, select an area of support, and learn more about philanthropy. The Dollars for Donuts tables will be held at Milner Library on Tuesday, February 21, from 12:00–4:00 p.m., at the Bone Center on Wednesday, February 22, from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., and at the Center for the Performing Arts on Thursday, February 23, from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
For this year’s opening Birds Give Back challenge, Redbird alumni, Rob Sargeant ’65, M.S. ’67, will unlock $20,000 for our Birds Give Back totals to support a student scholarship when we receive our first 500 gifts during Birds Give Back.
“The opportunity to teach students about philanthropy and the impact it can have, not only for our institution but across the world is very rewarding,” said Christina Bryant, associate director of the philanthropy engagement center. “Redbird Philanthropy Week is meant for students to thank all the supporters who helped them along the way in their journey and made their time here so successful. We hope students take what they learn during this week and continue to apply it in their future.”
To learn more about Redbird Philanthropy Week and view the whole event schedule, visit our Giving site.
