Americus Mayor signs proclamation declaring Thursday, September 21 as GSW’s Day of Giving

AMERICUS, GA (September 14, 2023) — On September 14, Americus Mayor Lee Kinnamon signed a proclamation announcing Thursday, September 21, 2023 as the fifth annual Day of Giving for Georgia Southwestern State University.

GSW faculty, staff, and students turned out on Gold Force Thursday to witness Mayor Kinnamon sign the proclamation for the upcoming Day of Giving alongside GSW Foundation Executive Director Stephen Snyder. Kinnamon also presented his own personal contribution and expressed his gratitude for GSW and the education it has provided his family for multiple generations.

GSW’s Day of Giving is yearly challenge to raise funds and support for the University. This year, the goals are to reach 400 donors and receive a gift from all 50 states, ultimately “turning the map gold.”

Financial contributions will further enhance GSW scholarships and more, ensuring our hardworking students can achieve their goals without years of debt.

On Thursday, September 21, Hurricanes around the country and world—alumni, community members, parents, friends, neighbors, faculty, staff and students—will join together to support GSW. Gifts are encouraged to the following six funds:

• Hurricanes Back-on-Track: This fund provides students with the financial support they need to overcome an unanticipated financial hardship that inhibits their ability to finish a degree.
• Southwestern Promise: These scholarships automatically provide $1,000 and $3,000 to all eligible GSW freshmen who meet certain academic requirements.
• Jimmy Carter Leadership Program: Contributions to the Carter Leadership Program will bolster existing programs and ensure enhancement of additional opportunities and involvement.
• General Athletics: Contributions to GSW Athletics includes, but is not limited to, support for athletic facility improvements, scholarships and recruiting enhancements.
• Southwestern Annual Fund: This general-purpose fund provides a source of support for students as needs arise including conference expenses, extra-curricular learning programs, scholarship funding, emergency expenses, and textbook assistance.
• Griffin Bell Golf and Conference Center: The renovation of the Griffin Bell Conference Center will help foster local entrepreneurs with a makerspace and provide a venue for social functions and conferences.
• Student Emergency Fund: This fund provides assistance for GSW students facing a critical financial need that is a potential barrier to completing the semester (i.e. car breakdown, apartment fire, hurricane recovery, medical bill).

Donations can be made on September 21 using GSW’s new online fundraising platform, Give Campus, at gsw.edu/DayOfGiving. Gifts can also be dropped off at the Newman Alumni House on campus, or mailed ahead of time to the GSW Foundation. Checks should be made out to the GSW Foundation and mailed to P.O. Box 926, Americus, GA 31709.

In addition to monetary gifts, those wanting to support GSW on the Day of Giving can dine at one of the participating local restaurants who will generously donate a portion of their sales during certain hours toward the Day of Giving. Thank you to Chick-fil-A Americus, Carter’s Fried Chicken, Sweet Georgia Bakery & Café, Monroe’s Hotdogs, Wolf Creek Plantation (downtown location), 2 Duke’s BBQ, Pat’s Place, Gyro City Mediterranean Grill, Little Brother’s Bistro, The Sheppard House, La Hacienda, The 1800, Roman Oven Pizzeria, The Fish House, Floyd’s Pub, Rosemary & Thyme, The Alley and Booger Bottom for participating. Gas N Go is also donating a portion of proceeds from pumps seven and eight at their location on Tripp St. and E. Lamar St.

Visit www.gsw.edu/dayofgiving or follow along on the Facebook event to learn more about the funds supported and the participating restaurant times on GSW’s Day of Giving.