Vol Community Raises More Than $2.5M for 12th Annual Big Orange Give

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, received overwhelming support from the Volunteer community for Big Orange Give, an annual day of giving that directly supports students and UT's many impactful initiatives. The 12th annual event resulted in more than $2.5 million - far exceeding the $1.5 million goal.

More than 9,800 alumni and donors gave this year, with most gifts coming in under $100. In all, 855 UT funds received support during Big Orange Give, with gifts to college-specific purposes accounting for $1.5 million of the day's $2.5 million total.

Chancellor Donde Plowman expressed her deep appreciation for the many Vols, alumni and friends of UT who came forward to support all areas of the university, from scholarships to research to student programming.

"Every year I am inspired by the generosity of Volunteers everywhere who give to the places in the university that mean the most to them," Plowman said. "I am grateful for their support and their belief in the work we are doing here at the University of Tennessee."

With a record 70-plus matches and challenge gifts available from generous alumni and friends this year, Big Orange Give donors had more opportunity than ever to multiply their impact to the parts of UT they love best. Lisa Reed, president of the UT Alumni Board of Directors, reported that the board collectively supplied more than 20 of those matches.

"The board once again went above and beyond for Big Orange Give, setting an all-time record for giving, and I am honored to work with this amazing group and to serve as president this year," Reed said. "Together the board contributed over $155,000 in matching funds, and the Vol family responded overwhelmingly. Thank you to all who helped make Big Orange Give another record-breaking day. Go Vols!"

The Equine Rehabilitation Research Fund drew the most attention this Big Orange Give with 548 gifts. Many of the fund's donors made their gifts in honor of Baby Seven, a foal born prematurely in February and currently under the care of UT College of Veterinary Medicine. The young horse has gained a loyal social media following, as people tune in for college updates to watch his progress.

Since its inception in 2013, Big Orange Give has raised a total of $17.5 million for UT. To students like senior Lillie Etta Lawson of Knoxville, the event's impact is priceless and personal.

"I feel so supported by the generosity shown through Big Orange Give," Lawson said. "Every contribution helps students like me to pursue new learning opportunities, get involved in campus life and take steps toward our dreams. Especially as a first-generation college student, I'm grateful for a UT community that believes in us and invests in our futures."

Scholarships are a popular choice for donors who want to make a difference in student lives. Last year Vols received more than 11,000 privately funded scholarships, with Big Orange Give gifts making up a sizable portion of that support.

Senior Vice Chancellor for Advancement Brian Broyles shared his gratitude for every Big Orange Give donor and gift and the difference they will make to students and the communities UT touches.

"I am continually amazed by the passion and commitment of our alumni, donors, fans and friends of the university," Broyles said. "Every Big Orange Give, you show up to make life and lives better on Rocky Top and in every community UT impacts. Thank you! Together we will continue to change the lives of our students while providing the best student experience in the industry. UT is a place of possibility because of you, our outstanding Volunteer community."

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CONTACT:

Stacy Estep (865-974-8304, [email protected])

Laura Tenpenny (865-974-4866, [email protected])