The annual Tommie Give Day at the University of St. Thomas reported the fundraiser brought in more than double what was raised in 2019, with $1.78 million in donations.

The fundraisers, which helps to raise money for students who need scholarships, received donations from 2,654 people – 654 more than their goal of 2,000 donors, the University of St. Thomas reported on its website. 

This increase in funds will be helpful for the higher demands that are being placed on the Hardship Scholarship Fund, which is experiencing a roughly 50% increase in applications.

Lindsey Donovan, who serves as the Annual Giving Program Manager, said that the pandemic has put students in a difficult situation, but these funds are coming at an opportune time, the website reported.

Donovan said hHardship scholarships go directly to helping students pay their tuition, stay in school and finish on time as she explained the ways in which individuals can get involved in the fundraiser.

“We made social media purple at St. Thomas yesterday and showed that if you can’t give a gift, you can still promote or share our cause to your network and your own Tommie network,” she said, the website reported.

The tight-knit community as St. Thomas is committed to ensuring that those who are in need are given the support they require to thrive, whatever that may look like. 

Donors are able to give monthly and be a Sustaining Donor. Those who choose to donate $5 a month or more are gifted a St. Thomas pint glass. 

The higher-level donors who gave $60 or more on Tommie Give Day, were recipients of a special St. Thomas mask. Another mask was also given to Catholic Charities in their name, helping to replenish the mask demand which is high at this time, the website reported. 

For those who missed out on Tommie Give Day, it is not too late. Interested donors can give by visiting the Tommie Give Day page on givecampus.com.