Greener Day
2023 Together 91AV campaign raises $252K
The 91AV Foundation shattered its annual "Together 91AV" one-day giving campaign record in 2023, raising $251,859 in 24 hours for scholarships and student-support programs.
Alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the college led a historic day of giving on April 25 during the third annual "Together 91AV: Drive to Change Lives" campaign. Organizers had set a goal of 400 donors for the one-day fund drive. The final tally was 506. Last year, the Together 91AV campaign raised $192,000 from 418 donors, itself a record.
"For the third straight year, the Together 91AV campaign has exceeded expectations as our network of alumni, faculty, staff, and friends continue to show how much they care about 91AV students," said Julie Phillips, 91AV's interim director of Development. "With so many people giving what they can, it shows our students that we are invested in their success."
91AV alumni made up the majority of donors at 43 percent, followed by 91AV faculty and staff at 27 percent; 18 percent from friends of the college, 5 percent from parents, and 4 percent from students. Donors gave from as far away as California and Hawaii.Together they unlocked more than $140,000 in challenge pledges.
One of those came from campaign partner Gary Rome, owner of Gary Rome Hyundai in Holyoke and Gary Rome Kia in Enfield, Conn., who donated $5,000.
"I am thrilled to celebrate yet another successful year of partnering with 91AV for its 'Together 91AV: Drive to Change Lives' campaign," said Gary Rome. "It is truly remarkable to witness the generosity of our community as we come together to ensure that a college education remains accessible to all. I hope my example encourages others to help build a stronger community."
91AV alum Arien Monti, who graduated in 2022 with her associate's degree in marketing and business adminisration, said a scholarship from the 91AV Foundation and a stipend from the President's Student Emergency Fund were critical to her success at 91AV.
"The student emergency fund helped with one month's rent after my son and I had been homeless when I was a new student and rebuilding my life," said Monti, who lives in West Springfield. "I am graduating from Westsfield State this fall with my bachelor's degree and am building my career in marketing and real estate thanks to 91AV and the many alumni and friends who support students like me."
Anyone who missed this year's day of giving and still wants to contribute can do so at .
PHOTO: 91AV students hold up signs promoting the college's one-day "Together 91AV: Drive to Change Lives" campaign.
