12/10/14
'Tis the season for ribbons, packages, boxes and bows, and it is also the season of wrapping up Fort Hays State University's "I Fed the Tiger" campaign. The FHSU Foundation announces that this year's original goal of $40,000 was reached only two weeks into the campaign, proving that "I Fed The Tiger" is gaining both recognition and momentum.

The Foundation has tied up the 2014 effort with the biggest bow yet -- a record-breaking campaign! This year's campaign raised $48,985 thanks to the generosity of FHSU alumni and friends and the work of matching corporate sponsors.

The campaign concluded on Dec. 8 after a six-week run. Raising nearly half of the campaign's matching dollars in the first five days, it brought in 27 percent more funds for student organizations, athletic teams, academic departments and named scholarships than last year, making this the most successful social-media-based campaign FHSU has ever completed.

In just five days the Tiger Impact column, which supports named scholarship funds, filled its match. The Campus Life column, which supports student organizations such as the Rodeo Club, the Technology and Engineering Education Collegiate Association, and the Fort Hays Honor Society, quickly followed and raised more than $6,000 in just six days. The Campus Life column filled its matching dollars just a week after the campaign began. This allowed for student groups to raise twice as much for their organization, thanks to generous local sponsors.

"This campaign was a great way for you to be a part of the success of our Tiger Nation," said Dr. Mirta M. Martin, FHSU president. "Thanks to our sponsors and all of you who fed the Tiger."

Each of the sponsors agreed to match dollar-for-dollar any gift up to $100. The following sponsors made FHSU a priority and were the champions who made this thriving campaign possible: Baconrind Appraising Services, the Brian Ruder Agency, Gutierrez Cocina Mexicana & Trio Tap House, the Meckenstock Group, Midwest Energy, Coldwell Banker Executive Realty, and Haselhorst Construction, all of Hays, and Pishny Financial Services and Western Irrigation of Garden City.

"I am beyond excited to see this campaign take off and really make a splash," said Leanna Roberts, director of annual giving at the FHSU Foundation. "It's incredible that in only five years our 'I Fed the Tiger' campaign has doubled in the amount of sponsors available and the amount of support raised. This campaign allows, for example, Fort Hays State University students to attend a conference or a department to purchase a new piece of equipment that they may have not been able to otherwise. It comes to show what an unbelievable backing we have here in Tiger Nation; our alumni and community should be very proud!"

Roberts thanked students, educators and staff on behalf of FHSU and the Foundation for their generosity and commitment. She said the campaign simply wouldn't be possible without their support, and with the awareness and popularity of the campaign growing so rapidly, the 2015 campaign will surely be just as exciting.