The Volunteer community once again demonstrated its support for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, during the 11th annual Big Orange Give. Held Nov. 8, the annual day of giving spurred an outpouring of generosity from Volunteers around the globe, with more than 11,400 gifts supporting all areas of the university.
Gifts arrived at a rapid pace throughout the day — every 9.8 seconds during peak hours. This year digital wallets such as PayPal and Venmo accounted for 46.9% of all gifts, setting a record for that form of transaction.
The funds from this year’s day of giving will support everything from scholarships such as the Tri-Star Scholarship Program to support for student veterans, student life, and colleges and units across campus.
We are deeply grateful to each and every member of our Volunteer family for their contributions that make UT the exceptional institution it is today.
– Brian Broyles, interim vice chancellor for advancement
This year Joshua Dobbs — NFL quarterback, 2017 graduate and president of the UT Alumni Board of Directors — rallied Volunteers by providing $20,000 in matching gift funds. Dobbs provided the match in conjunction with his foundation, the Astrordinary Dobbs Foundation Inc., and joined many other generous donors in establishing matching gifts.
“As this year’s president of the Alumni Board of Directors, I see firsthand the life-changing impact that scholarships have on our campus,” Dobbs told donors. “Thank you for joining me in giving back and ‘Go Vols!’”
Chancellor Donde Plowman lauded the Volunteer community’s commitment during Big Orange Give, emphasizing its deep-seated passion and support for UT’s many impactful initiatives.
“I’m so grateful to everyone who participated in Big Orange Give,” Plowman said. “It is incredible to see the support and love so many have for the University of Tennessee.”
Brian Broyles, interim vice chancellor for advancement, said Big Orange Give’s growth over more than a decade is nothing short of extraordinary. The day of giving began in 2013 with 1,630 gifts and has gained traction yearly since.
“The success of Big Orange Give is a testament to the collective strength and unwavering commitment of the Volunteer community,” Broyles said. “We are deeply grateful to each and every member of our Volunteer family for their contributions that make UT the exceptional institution it is today. Their passion for the university is a constant reminder of the spirit that fuels UT’s pursuit of excellence.”
