During the WooGives campaign on February 10-11, 36 student teams took part in a friendly fundraising competition, and the results are in: the event raised $37,270 from 644 donors. The average gift per donor was $60, an increase from last year’s average of $43 per donor.
Caitlyn Costello ’13, assistant director of development at Worcester State and organizer of WooGives, witnessed good sportsmanship among the competing teams. “I see a lot of, ‘I’ll give to your team if you give to mine, and we’ll help each other get up on the leaderboards,’ especially in athletics,” she said. Women’s Lacrosse won first place on the athletics leaderboard, while women’s ice hockey finished second. The money raised will help cover travel expenses, apparel, meals, and equipment.
Among university departments, the Education Department’s Kenya program for graduate students took first place. Donations to that program will help fund supplies at the Ol’Kalou KNLS (Kenya National Library Services) Public Library and student travel expenses. “A lot of these teams rely on donations and gifts,” said Costello. “It’s a supplement to the students’ education.” The Military Affairs and Veteran Services Office finished second among university departments, and its donations will support a conference for student veterans.”
Among clubs and organizations, the Dance Team placed first and will use its fundraising to pay for its trip to the national competition. The Presidential Student Ambassadors secured second place, and their funds will pay for the Lancer 4 A Day event. Thea’s Pantry was the sole winner in the “Other Areas of Support” category. Its fundraising will pay for supplies.
Each team that placed first wins a $250 prize, while each second-place team receives $150. Winners of the Golden Hour race, a competition to see which team can get the most gifts within an hour, were awarded a bonus prize of $100.
“WooGives shows students the value of philanthropy, and the value of giving to each other and to their own teams,” Costello said. “I’m hoping that by learning how important it is now, they will remember how important it was and how good it felt to get those gifts when they’re alumni.”
Top image: Placing first among clubs and organizations, the Dance Team will use its fundraising to pay for its trip to the national competition.
Achievers
President Barry Maloney honored as WBJ Large Business Leader of the Year
The Worcester Business Journal has selected Worcester State University President Barry M. Maloney as its 2025 Large Business Leader of the Year. The honor, announced in the February 24 edition, is . . .