SDSU Foundation celebrates seventh annual One Day for STATE giving challenge Thursday

Jackrabbit spirit for South Dakota State University shattered records and transformed lives after last year’s historically successful giving day, and it will happen again this Thursday, Sept. 7, when the SDSU Foundation hosts its seventh annual One Day for STATE event.

The 24-hour campaign invites Jackrabbits everywhere to join together in celebration of SDSU and the incredible impact of philanthropic giving. 

Last year, thousands of donors raised more than $2.4 million in donations during One Day for STATE, stemming from 6,825 gifts overall. This year, the foundation is rallying the yellow and blue community to once again unite 5,000 donors in just 24 hours. Donors may choose which area of campus their gift can impact, ranging from scholarships, student travel, faculty support, colleges of choice and a variety of academic and co-curricular programs.

Part of what makes One Day for STATE special is the opportunity for gifts of all amounts to go further, thanks to numerous challenge donors. All gifts help unlock additional funds, with more than $700,000 in challenges waiting to be unlocked this year. 

“What sets One Day for STATE apart is that every donation, regardless of the dollar amount, can make a huge difference,” said Erin Glidden, SDSU Foundation director of pipeline strategy. “Thanks to our challenge donors, every bit of the day’s philanthropy makes a true impact.” 

During the 24-hour event, donors can visit the One Day for STATE webpage to designate their gifts to areas they are passionate about supporting.

One Day for STATE aims to unite Jackrabbit alumni, donors, friends and even current students in support of SDSU. Last year, 449 students donated to One Day for STATE, accounting for $8,657 of funds raised.

“We want to build connections between the foundation and the students we serve, all while introducing students to the power of philanthropy,” said Heidi Hopewell, assistant director of loyalty giving. “It’s a perfect opportunity to gather the community and demonstrate the impact of what incredible things can happen when we work together. I think students will see there’s a huge ripple effect when they get involved and give back.”

The SDSU Foundation is kicking off One Day for STATE with Jack’s Journey the night before, Wednesday, Sept. 6. The festivities will be brought right to the homes of local Jackrabbits, celebrating One Day for STATE and the start of a successful school year. Jack will depart from the SDSU Foundation at 6 p.m. to start his trip around Brookings. Follow the Facebook event for details.

The celebration officially begins on Thursday, Sept. 7, with several opportunities to get involved throughout the day, culminating with the Yellow and Blue Block Party. Bring your Jackrabbit family and friends to this free signature community event, taking place from 5-8 p.m. on the Alumni Green. The night’s lineup will include a performance by The Pride of the Dakotas Marching Band at 6:30 p.m., followed by the SDSU dance and cheer teams. The party will also feature food trucks, free SDSU ice cream, the Bummobile and plenty of kids’ activities. Learn more on the SDSU Foundation’s Facebook event.

“Every day is a great day to be a Jackrabbit, but One Day for STATE is an absolute favorite of ours at the foundation,” Glidden said. “This is our chance to work together and make a really bold impact for SDSU.”