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Â鶹´«Ã½ will host its 10th annual Â鶹´«Ã½ Challenge Day of Giving on Thursday, April 24.
Tenth Â鶹´«Ã½ Challenge Asks Alumni to "Give Purple. Give Gold. Give Back."
April 17, 2025
MACOMB/MOLINE, IL - - Â鶹´«Ã½ Illinois University is excited to announce its 10th annual , scheduled for Thursday, April 24. This year's theme is "Give Purple. Give Gold. Give Back."
Tim Hallinan, director of Annual Giving for Â鶹´«Ã½'s Division of Advancement and Alumni Relations, said the theme highlights the generosity of Leatherneck Nation during each Â鶹´«Ã½ Challenge and the commitment the University has to student success.
"The Â鶹´«Ã½ Challenge is a powerful reminder of what our friends and alumni can accomplish together in support of our students," Hallinan said. "Every gift makes a difference and moves Â鶹´«Ã½ forward."
Since 2016, Â鶹´«Ã½ has held an annual day of giving, garnering tremendous support from donors worldwide. Last year, 1,165 donors raised $432,198 for Â鶹´«Ã½'s students, scholarships and University initiatives.
During the 24-hour giving event, alumni and friends are encouraged to direct their contributions to any area of Â鶹´«Ã½ that resonates with their passions and philanthropic priorities while taking advantage of more than $150,000 in match and challenge funds contributed by Â鶹´«Ã½ alumni, friends, faculty and staff.
The popular "Map Challenge" returns this year, thanks to a generous pair of alumni donors. If Â鶹´«Ã½ receives at least one gift from all 50 states during the 24-hour event, $10,000 will be unlocked for scholarships.
An interactive map on the campaign page will track progress in real time with each state turning purple when a gift is made, visually showcasing the strength and unity of Leatherneck Nation from coast to coast in support of student success.
Gifts can be easily made online at wiu.edu/westernchallenge. Most major credit cards, bank transfers and mobile wallets, such as PayPal and Venmo, are accepted and this year, donors can seamlessly give through their donor-advised funds as well.
Those who prefer to contribute via phone can call 309-298-1861 now through 9 p.m. CST on Thursday, April 24.
To stay updated on the Â鶹´«Ã½ Challenge's progress, donors can follow the event on , and for real-time updates, donor tallies and exclusive content throughout the day.
To learn more about the Â鶹´«Ã½ Challenge Day of Giving, please visit or contact the Â鶹´«Ã½ Challenge team at 309-298-1874 or email at westernchallenge@wiu.edu.
Posted By: Aaron Viner (AP-Viner@wiu.edu)
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