Franklin College Exceeds Fundraising Goal on #GRIZTuesday

Donors once again showed up in a big way to support Franklin College’s #GRIZTuesday on Tuesday, Nov. 29. The college raised $178,037 during the 24-hour day of giving, surpassing its $100,000 goal for the day by 78 percent.

“The generous support of our donors confirms their faith in our mission and confidence in our future,” said Kerry N. Prather, Franklin College president. “Due to their generous support, our student-athletes will enjoy a well-rounded college experience that includes unique leadership opportunities, valuable lessons in teamwork and priceless memories.”

“We are extremely grateful to the many donors and sponsors who generously supported #GRIZTuesday,” said Dana Cummings, vice president for institutional advancement. “The support given by our alumni, friends, faculty, staff, students, parents and community members was once again truly amazing. We are also very thankful to Rafael Sánchez for hosting the special #GRIZTuesday Shark Tank event at The Artcraft Theatre.”

Sponsorship funds and donations raised during the one-day giving initiative will support the college’s athletic programs. The college used social media, especially Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, to market the 24-hour fundraising effort, as well as email and other college communication formats.

From 5 to 7:30 p.m., Rafael Sánchez, WRTV Channel 6 anchor/reporter and 1992 alumnus of the college, hosted a Shark Tank-like event featuring students and student-athletes taking the “Entrepreneurial Mindset” course. Each presented their semester-long projects to a Shark Tank-like panel of judges. Students were available both before and after the event for attendees to learn more about their ideas and cast a vote for an Audience Choice Award.

The audience selected Team NIL Marketplace for the award. Team members included sophomore Brooke Stephens, sophomore Kai Ross, sophomore Jenna Louden and junior Jimmy Wolff.

“#GRIZTuesday is a critical component in providing our student-athletes with a truly memorable college experience,” said Andrew Hendricks, director of athletics and head swimming coach. “While academics are at the center of the Franklin College experience, athletics enhance the student experience, and our donors continue to provide incredible support in true Grizzly fashion.”

Major sponsors for the day included Miller Transportation, Elwood Staffing, Indiana Members Credit Union, Bischoff Wealth Management, and Timberland Lumber Company.

While #GRIZTuesday is over, those wishing to donate can visit Franklincollege.edu/give or contact Dana Cummings at [email protected] or (317) 738-8235.

For more information, contact the Franklin College Office of Communications at (317) 738-8185.

Founded in 1834, Franklin College is a residential liberal arts and sciences institution located 20 minutes south of Indianapolis. Franklin offers a wide array of undergraduate majors as well as master’s degree programs in Physician Assistant Studies and Athletic Training. The unique curriculum merges classroom instruction with immersive experiences, research opportunities and study away programs. Students participate in 21 NCAA Division III sports, esports, Greek life, musical and theatre productions and more than 40 student organizations. As the first college in Indiana to become coeducational with the admission of women, Franklin welcomes diversity of thought, belief and person into a community that values equity and inclusion. Franklin College maintains a voluntary association with the American Baptist Churches USA. For more information, visit www.FranklinCollege.edu. Find Franklin College on Facebook and follow @FranklinCollege on Twitter.