Grateful for sunshine and for the alumni, parents, and friends who support the University of Virginia, hundreds of students lined up on the Lawn on GivingToHoosDay, April 10, to say thank you. The annual event raised $4.45 million in a 24-hour period from 7,247 donors.

In coordination with GivingToHoosDay, UVA offered students the opportunity to write thank-you notes to those who’ve generously given to the University’s schools, units, and other programs.

In between bites of warm donuts, and after partaking in a “candy buffet,” the students penned more than a thousand heartfelt cards that let donors know just how much they appreciate support for their University.

Elsewhere on Grounds, at the event’s headquarters in Fontaine Research Park, the GivingToHoosDay leadership team kept an eye on the steady stream of gifts made online, wondering where the next would come from. Would this year see a gift from Malta? What about Peru? With a crew of approximately ten, the group coordinated with other schools and units and trafficked information as needed to ensure smooth operations.

Patrick Stanley, director for digital engagement and GivingToHoosDay coordinator, was delighted with the day’s overall success.

“I’m tremendously proud to have again taken an active role in shaping and bringing to life this important annual event. Watching our community mobilize around GivingToHoosDay was truly inspiring, and it serves to remind us all why the UVA community—when fully deployed—is such a positive force in society."