Elon students, faculty and staff surpassed a challenge to write 1,000 thank-you notes in three days.
The Elon University community penned more than 1,200 thank-you cards this week as part of the “A Thousand Thanks” campaign to show appreciation for donors whose gifts over the years have shaped the institution into what it is today.
The official tally of 1,247 cards exceeded the goal of 1,000 notes that organizers set headed into the week.
“I am so proud of the student body, faculty, and staff for their support during this event,” said university sophomore Kelly Smith, who helped organize the program. “Not only did we surpass our goal of 1,000 thank you notes in three days, but we achieved something much more significant – we allowed students to make a direct connection to supporters of the university.”
Many student organizations contributed to the program’s success, including Elon Ambassadors, athletic teams, several Greek organizations and the Student Government Association.
“It was exciting to hear people encouraging each other to write thank-you notes and for them to have ‘ah-ha’ moments when they realized something on campus that they use everyday was made possible by donors,” said Amanda Zamzes ’08, a program assistant in University Advancement and the staff member who worked most closely with Smith to plan the three-day event.
“A Thousand Thanks” is one way to focus attention on Elon donors while helping to build a culture of philanthropy on campus, said Sara Peterson, the university’s director of donor relations.
“Elon is an outstanding university because many people have given sacrificially to support our school,” Peterson said. “It also means that those of us currently part of the Elon community—alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends—have an obligation to support Elon so that future generations can learn and grow here.”
Notes will be mailed to donors before Thanksgiving.
“‘A Thousand Thanks’ was a very rewarding and enjoyable experience,” said student Maritza Gamboa. “Watching all the Elon staff and students come out and participate was uplifting and proved how much school spirit everyone has.”
Door prize winners are:
Smitty’s Homemade Ice Cream One free large ice cream: Adrienne Greenberg, Immanuel Bryant, Michael Gaytan, Arnetia Fogg, Lindsay Richards
Smitty’s Homemade Ice Cream Ice Cream Sundae coupon: Connor Meehan, Patrick Sheridan, Tim Allen
$5 gift card to Local Yogurt: Dianne Ford, Kali Snuggs, Kaitlyn Piazzolla, Jackie Brockmyer (she wrote the 1000th note)
20 wings from Hooters: Rob Shapiro, Tucker Bolding, Jenny Chapman
$5 gift card to Olive Garden: Emily Adams, Silvia Lee
Free wing party at Buffalo Wild Wings: Emily Ash
Free car wash from Wheels n’ Bumpers: Bari Sisson, Leah Garzone
Football jersey from the Phoenix Club: Brenton Rose
$25 gift card from Barnes and Noble: Elizabeth Hilliard
2 court side seats to the men’s basketball game against Lynchburg on Dec. 11: Madelyn Smith
2-pound box of chocolate from Once Upon a Chocolate: Nicole Filippo