Tuesday, March 19 was Elizabethtown College’s 5th annual Power of One Day. Each year on Power of One Day, Etown sets a higher donor goal than the year before. For the first year in 2015, the initial goal was 200 donors in 24 hours. This has grown to this year’s goal of 1,700 donors in 24 hours with the hopes of a result of $170,000 donated to support students.

The festivities happened in the Baugher Student Center (BSC) and included a photo station in the Blue Bean Café and games and prizes in the Concourse throughout the day.

Donors could send in any amount of money, which would be matched with $100 from a group of Blue Jay supporters up to $170,000. The list of Blue Jay Challengers can be found on the Power of One webpage on the Etown website. Executive Director of College Engagement Opportunities Mark Clapper said that a reason why this day is so great is that, especially with the $100 per donor challenge, donations of any amount can make a difference for the campus community.

Donation records have been broken every year since the first Power of One Day, when the goal was surpassed and raised twice throughout the day.
“Our Etown family of alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends share a uniform connection in that we all want our college to grow and thrive…” Clapper said. “Power of One Day has become one of our many annual traditions when our Blue Jay colors truly shine.”

As of midnight Wednesday, March 20, Etown had 1,762 donors as the preliminary number before all gifts were reviewed. This means that Power of One Day officially met its 2019 goal and will get the $170,000 donor challenge prize.

Gifts to the Elizabethtown College Fund support areas where the College has the most need. Departments, organizations and sports teams can also be supported.

These gifts not only impact today’s students, but also faculty and staff, coaches and future students as well.

To learn how to support the Etown community, check out the Be More Inspired Campaign section of the Etown website.The web page details the various funds that can be donated to through the Be More Inspired Campaign and gives further information about the annual fund.