Emporia State student foundation embarks on social media fundraiser

The challenge requires the Student Foundation to raise $20,000 by the end of the 2015-2016 academic year   – which is fast approaching on May 13 – to receive a matching grant of $20,000.
The challenge requires the Student Foundation to raise $20,000 by the end of the 2015-2016 academic year – which is fast approaching on May 13 – to receive a matching grant of $20,000. | File photo
The Emporia State University Student Foundation partnered with local businesses in a social media campaign Friday to raise $2,000 to benefit the Hornet Opportunity Award Fund.

Last October, an anonymous donor selected the Student Foundation for a challenge grant in honor of former ESU Foundation member Gary Sherrer, who was a supporter of ESU and a member of the Kansas Board of Regents. The challenge requires the Student Foundation to raise $20,000 by the end of the 2015-2016 academic year – which is fast approaching on May 13 – to receive a matching grant of $20,000. The foundation is just $2,000 away from reaching that goal, and is hoping to hit it with the help of local businesses.

“We’re in the home stretch and are excited that Emporia businesses have agreed to partner with us,” Student Foundation President Amy McMillin said. “Their support is invaluable — and we think they can have lots of fun reaching out to their own audiences as well as challenging each other to succeed.”

On April 22, each participating business received a secure online link where they could receive donations on behalf of the Student Foundation. The link was open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and the business that raised the most money received a student-designed trophy.

Participating businesses were Brickyard 20 Ale House, Emporia Main Street, French Lily, Genesis Health Clubs, Gravel City Roasters, High Gear Cyclery, Midas Touch Golden Tans, Radius Brewery, Rhinestones and Rust and Sweet Granada.