On February 23, 2016, Meredith held its first 24-hour giving challenge. Because it was being held in honor of the College’s 125th birthday, the giving goal was $125,000.
Meredith alumnae and friends exceeded that goal by 11 a.m., so then-President Jo Allen, ’80, encouraged the Meredith Fund team to double the goal to $250,000. That second goal was met by 8 p.m., setting the foundation for 11 years (and counting) of Giving Day success.
The 24-hour giving goal has increased each time. Year after year, Meredith donors meet that challenge, showing their support of the College and its students.
“Our alumnae and donors understand that their gifts make an immediate impact, and through the years, we have seen how alumnae and donors want to give back,” said Vice President for Institutional Advancement Lennie Barton. “Giving Day has provided them a day to rally together and make a goal, meet a challenge, and give to a place that was important to them for four years and remains an investment to share with future students.”
Read more about the history of Giving Day
In honor of 135 years of educating women and in preparation for the launch of a new strategic plan in the fall, Meredith College is celebrating its mission in 2026. Look for monthly Meredith History Moments throughout the series.
Melyssa Allen – News Director
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(919) 760-8087 | Fax: (919) 760-8330 | allenme@meredith.edu