'Giving Tuesday' drive raises food, student-services donations
Giving Tuesday turned out to be double the fun for employees of the ASU Foundation for A New American University and the ASU Parents Association (ASUPA). Foundation staff brought more than 2,000 food items to their Fulton Center workplace for the St. Mary’s Food Bank in Phoenix, while ASUPA led a drive that raised nearly $7,500 for Arizona State University student-services support.
Both drives, however, will result in twice as much support.
The foundation will match its employees’ food donation, while the proud mother of an ASU student has agreed to match gifts generated through ASUPA during the Nov. 27 Giving Tuesday drive.
“Imagine what it would be like if everyone who could give, would give,” said R.F. “Rick” Shangraw Jr., CEO of the foundation. “The members of this foundation team and our parents association have shown the power of giving in a short, 24-hour period.
“This great university is focused on transformative societal impact. What our team has done in one day has helped make a difference in this community and on all ASU campuses. We have a very large heart for giving and today it is twice as caring and generous.”
Shangraw noted that foundation employees will continue to donate food for the food bank through the end of the week.
Donations to the ASUPA will be increased to $14,834 because of a commitment made by Lee Ann Slosser, who has a daughter attending ASU. The money will be directed to a variety of student services provided by the organization, according to Robin Okun Hengl, senior director of parent programs at the foundation.
“This is such a rewarding outpouring of support for our students,” said Okun Hengl, whose members represent a nationwide parent network dedicated to sustaining their students’ education and support of programs and services that enrich the ASU experience. “We had nearly 100 proud parents support all ASU students on Giving Tuesday, and we can’t thank them enough for what they have done to positively impact the student experience at ASU.”
ASUPA support provides students with scholarship assistance, free tutoring, an emergency crisis fund and free Thanksgiving dinners for those unable to travel home for the holiday. Last week the ASUPA served more than 300 turkey dinners to stay-on-campus students.
“The generosity of our ASU parents and their support for all students is heartwarming and appreciated,” said Okun Hengl. “As we fundraise to provide advocacy for scholarships and grants to benefit our students and advance university initiatives, this is especially rewarding. Lee Ann truly reflects the level of enthusiasm of parents for ASU students, and the commitment they place on ASU and the education of those who will make a difference in our future.”
The opportunity to contribute was not lost on the parent of one ASU student who took part in the on-campus Thanksgiving meal.
“Thank you for providing such a wonderful gathering for my son and me on Thanksgiving,” wrote the California parent when sending his online gift. “I feel more at ease knowing there is a group of parents nearby supporting our students, and I look forward to the next three years of being a part of this great family with my son Matthew.”
About the ASU Foundation for A New American University
As one of Arizona’s oldest and most trusted nonprofit organizations, the ASU Foundation for A New American University ensures the success of ASU as a New American University. The foundation raises, invests and manages private funds to benefit Arizona State University and serves as the university’s entrepreneurial arm in technology commercialization, real estate investment and other emerging initiatives. The foundation was incorporated in 1955 and currently manages assets exceeding $781 million. Learn more about the foundation at www.asufoundation.org.
Steve Des Georges, steve.dg@asu.edu
Senior Director, Editorial Services
ASU Foundation for A New American University
480-727-0757