GSW’s Day of Giving raises over $223,000 from all 50 states

AMERICUS, Ga. (Sept. 25, 2025) — Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) celebrated its most successful Day of Giving yet, raising a record-breaking $223,021 during its seventh annual event on Thursday, September 18. The University surpassed its ambitious goals of 600 donors and contributions from all 50 states, marking a new milestone in GSW’s fundraising history.

A total of 602 donors from across the U.S. and three additional countries contributed to scholarships, athletics, program enhancements, campus facilities, and student leadership. This year’s Day of Giving saw a 35 percent increase in dollars raised compared to last year, bringing the cumulative total to more than $745,000 since the initiative launched in 2019.

“This is my favorite day of the year,” said Stephen Snyder, executive director of the GSW Foundation and assistant vice president for Advancement. “The generosity and engagement of the Georgia Southwestern community never ceases to amaze me. Everyone involved in this event is intent on seeing that every goal is met, and the energy in Americus that day is palpable. Thank you to the volunteers, donors and the businesses that partnered with GSW this year. I am so grateful for them all.”

A highlight of the day was the successful completion of the “Turn the Map Gold” challenge, a spirited tradition to secure support from all 50 states that motivates the GSW community to reach family and friends across the country to participate. A gift from each state turns that state gold. The initiative, aimed at boosting donor participation, helped make this year's event a true nationwide success for the third year in a row.

“I was truly energized by the passion and enthusiasm surrounding GSW’s Day of Giving,” said GSW President Michelle Johnston, Ph.D. “The overwhelming generosity of the Hurricane family, spanning across the nation, made this our most successful year yet. I am so proud of how our community continues to invest in the future of Georgia Southwestern and the students we serve.”

Supporters also showed their Hurricane pride by dining and shopping at the 30 participating local businesses, each donating a portion of their sales to Day of Giving.

The Day of Giving Committee expresses appreciation to the participating businesses, including 2 Duke’s BBQ, Booger Bottom, Café Campesino Community Coffeehouse, Carter’s Fried Chicken, Chick-fil-A Americus, Code Black ATL, Gyro City Mediterranean Grill, Horne Pecan Company, La Esquina Cubano, La Hacienda, Lily’s Boutique, Little Brother’s Bistro, Minick Interiors, Monroe’s Hotdogs, Pat’s Place, Roman Oven Pizzeria, Scoops Americus, Southfitters, Sweet Georgia Bakery & Café, The 1800 Mexican Restaurant, The Alley, The Fish House, The Kinnebrew Company, The Sheppard House, The Spot, The Station, The Sweet Spot, Three’s Company, Toboggan Steve’s, and Wolf Creek Plantation (downtown location) for their generosity. 

The campaign was led by the Day of Giving Committee, including Chelsea Collins, Kim Comer, Caitlin Downs, Hunter Peak, Kearston Holtzclaw, Elizabeth Kennedy, Sydney Scott, Angela Smith, Stephen Snyder, Tracy Taylor and Krystal Whittaker.

For more details, visit www.gsw.edu/dayofgiving.