Sets Sights on Third Straight $1 Million Fundraising Goal
By Ball State Marketing & Communication—
MUNCIE, Indiana – One Ball State Day, Ball State University’s award-winning 24-hour fundraising event, returns Wednesday, April 3, with the goal of topping $1 million for a third straight year.
Thanks to the support of alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends worldwide, One Ball State Day (OBSD) has seen a remarkable increase in donations for five straight years, reaching more than $1million in gifts in both 2022 and 2023.
OBSD participants can donate online at oneballstate.bsu.edu anytime from midnight-11:59 p.m. EDT on April 3. Supporters are also encouraged to post their Cardinal pride throughout the day on social media by sharing photos, videos, and stories to inspire friends and family to give by using the hashtag #OneBallState.
In addition, by choosing to be part of OBSD, donors will be actively contributing to the larger goal of raising more than $350 million in philanthropic gifts for the University’s ambitious capital campaign, Our Call to Beneficence.
“I am grateful to our generous graduates, faculty, staff, students, parents, and friends who join together each year to support One Ball State Day,” Ball State President Geoffrey S. Mearns said. “Their gifts enable us to achieve our vital mission—to empower our students to have fulfilling careers and meaningful lives.”
New on-campus events for this year’s One Ball State Day celebration include:
- Donuts with the Deans: Deans from Ball State’s academic colleges will hand out donuts to students in classrooms and common areas of their respective buildings on the morning of OBSD.
- Spirit Parade: A vibrant display of Ball State pride featuring students, faculty, cheerleaders, and Charlie Cardinal. Led by the Ball State Police Department, the parade will kick off at Lafollette Field and conclude at Emens Plaza in time for Shakes & Shirts at 2 p.m.
- Chuck a Duck: OBSD donors can swing by Frog Baby to cast a red rubber duck into the fountain. Let’s fill it up!
Returning OBSD events include:
- Cardinal Dash and Splash
- “I Spy: Charlie” treasure hunts
- Pizza with the President
- Grab-and-go activities across campus
- And much more
“As we embark on our sixth annual One Ball State Day celebration, we continue to be extremely grateful for the amazing level of support we receive each year from our donors,” said Lola Mauer, associate vice president of engagement and strategy for the Ball State University Foundation. ”We hope to continue our ambitious goals this One Ball State Day by raising more than $1 million for the third consecutive year and increasing the total number of donors.”
Since its inception, One Ball State Day has earned many national awards from organizations such as the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), a global non-profit association dedicated to educational advancement.
For more information about One Ball State Day 2024, including participating groups, event challenges, how to become an ambassador, frequently asked questions, and how to give, visit the OBSD website.
About Ball State
Founded in 1918 and located in Muncie, Ball State University is one of Indiana’s premier universities and an economic driver for the state. Ball State’s 20,000 students come from all over Indiana, the nation, and the world. The 790-acre campus is large enough to accommodate first-rate facilities and 19 NCAA Division I sports, but our welcoming and inclusive campus is small enough to ensure the friendliness, personal attention, and access that are the hallmarks of the University. Destination 2040: Our Flight Path establishes Ball State’s ambitious goals for our second century. We Fly!
