Chippewa Valley Times

The University of Wisconsin-Stout is set to host its sixth annual Giving Day event, "Stout Gives Back," on December 3. This 24-hour campaign aims to support various departments and programs across the campus. The event is part of the National Day of Giving tradition and is supported by the UW-Stout Foundation.

Donors are encouraged to contribute to areas of critical need, with options to donate online or by mail. The foundation has set a fundraising goal of $300,000 for this year's event. Donations can be directed towards specific funds or areas within UW-Stout that donors wish to support.

Jocelyn White, the foundation's Annual Giving Officer, stated: “This giving day is more than a fundraiser – it’s a celebration of community, generosity and the incredible impact we can create together. It is a movement that is exciting to be a part of.”

A group of alumni and friends have already contributed challenge gifts known as Funds of Focus, encouraging others to match their donations. Among these contributors is Viola Riebe, who has been involved with several UW-Stout programs for over two decades. She, along with an anonymous donor, will give $30,000 on Giving Day to support foster youth through UW-Stout’s Fostering Success program.

The Fostering Success program provides guidance and resources for students who have been in foster care or are homeless or orphaned while pursuing their college degrees.

Last year’s Giving Day exceeded its goal by raising $370,289 from 802 gifts and pledges.

Challenge Funds include:

- Blue Devil Athletics: Sponsored by athletics alumni and friends including Chancellor Katherine Frank.

- StoutPromise Scholarship: Sponsored by Lou Welter ('76) and Marilyn Krause Leccese ('74) along with Rick Leccese.

- Student Emergency Fund: Sponsored by Chancellor Katherine Frank and her husband Joe Dvorsky.

- Learning Environments Fund: Sponsored by Marilyn Krause Leccese ('74) and Rick Leccese.

- StoutProud Fund: Also sponsored by Marilyn Krause Leccese ('74) and Rick Leccese.

- Fostering Success: Sponsored by Viola Riebe and an anonymous donor.

For further details about participating in the event or making donations, interested parties can visit www.uwstout.edu/giving-day or contact the UW-Stout Foundation directly.

Donors are also encouraged to use the hashtag #STOUTGIVESBACK on social media platforms to inspire others to participate in this philanthropic effort.