10/31/17
HAYS, Kan. - Thanks to the generosity and support of donors and matching gift sponsors, Fort Hays State University's eighth annual I Fed the Tiger campaign used up all the matching funds a little over an hour after beginning.

The campaign launched at 8 a.m. Oct. 23 and by 9:17 a.m. the matching funds were all used up, and a total of $14,315 had been raised. The campaign continues for members of Tiger nation who want to contribute, but matching funds are gone.

While matching funds last, I Fed the Tiger allows a gift to be doubled, up to $100 per gift. A gift of $50 to the Department of Art and Design, for example, makes a $100 impact.

"I was beyond excited to see our I Fed the Tiger campaign take off to where I was literally seeing at least one gift come through per minute," said Schuyler Coates, director of annual giving at the FHSU Foundation.

"The 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 do otherwise," she said. "It shows what unbelievable backing we have here in Tiger Nation. Our alumni and community should be very proud!"

Coates 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 2018 campaign will surely be just as exciting.

"One of the best aspects of this campaign is that it offers a fundraising platform for a variety of students to help themselves, whether they're involved with Rodeo Club or are a member of the Fort Hays singers preparing for a trip to Austria," she said. "Many student organizations put in a lot of work prior to the campaign to help rally their troops so their family, friends, alumni and greatest fans can plan to take advantage of the matching gifts available."

The Foundation and the university thanked the sponsors who made this campaign possible: Midwest Energy Inc., Nex-Tech Wireless, Pishny Financial Services and several anonymous donors.

Coates said that giving is important even though matching funds are no longer available. "Please continue to support the area of Fort Hays State that means the most to you by visiting www.ifedthetiger.com. Every gift matters!"

To learn more about the Fort Hays State University Foundation, visit http://foundation.fhsu.edu or contact their offices at 785-628-5620 or foundation@fhsu.edu.