The Chattanooga State Foundation will hold its first-ever ChattState Give Day on Wednesday while Unum Group will provide an opportunity for donors to triple their effect through a two-for-one match.
Funds raised will directly support student success by removing financial barriers, according to Unum.
For every $1 donated by alumni, parents, friends and other corporations and organizations, Unum will donate $2. Unum will match any donation up to $5,000 per gift and has committed to an overall corporate donation of up to $30,000, the Chattanooga-based insurer said in a news release.
“All of us at Unum Group would like to encourage the community and beyond to participate in ChattState Give Day and join in the collective effort to empower students and strengthen our community,” Cary Olson Cartwright, assistant vice president of corporate social responsibility at Unum, said in a statement.
Specifically, dollars raised will benefit the Tiger Cupboard, the Helping Hands Fund and the SkillsUSA Fund programs, the company said.
The Tiger Cupboard is the college’s food pantry, which ensures access to food for the campus. Last year, the Tiger Cupboard helped meet the food needs of 255 students.
(READ MORE: Tennessee college students grapple with food insecurity)
The Helping Hands Fund provides emergency support to students experiencing a financial crisis. Last year, the fund responded to just less than 100 requests and distributed more than $33,000.
The SkillsUSA Fund ensures students can showcase their talents by participating in skills-based state and national competitions and no student competitor misses out on representing the school due to financial constraints.
Nancy Patterson, vice president of college advancement and public relations at Chattanooga State, said the aim is to raise $45,000 or more in 24 hours.
“Every gift brings us closer to ensuring that financial obstacles never stand in the way of student success,” she said in a statement.
To learn more or make a donation visit chattanoogastate.edu/donate.
— Compiled by Mike Pare