Hearts on Fire: Record Number of Donors Supports Fourth Annual Day of Giving

The DeSales community once again stepped up to break several new records for the fourth annual Hearts on Fire Day of Giving. 

More than 950 donors from a record 39 states and Puerto Rico supported this year’s initiative. For the first time ever, every graduating class — from 1965 to 2022 — recorded a donation. So far, the University has raised more than $200,000. 

“Year after year, I am amazed by the generosity of our alumni, friends, employees, and students,” says Father James Greenfield, OSFS ’84, president of DeSales. “Our University community is blessed to have such strong support in response to our Hearts on Fire Day of Giving. Your gifts to DeSales University directly impact the lives of our students. On behalf of our community, I thank you for your continued commitment to our shared mission.”  

Among this year’s challenge winners: the division of nursing had the most increased participation from last year. Two new scholarship challenges — the Veterans Challenge and the Philadelphia Archdiocese Scholarship Challenge — also drew a wide range of support. 

“Donations to the Veterans Challenge were across the board: from students and parents to alumni and employees,” says Catherine Blanar ’08, director of annual giving. “It’s very special to see that people wanted to respect and honor our veterans in this way.” 

Supporters of six varsity sports — baseball, golf, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, volleyball, and men’s lacrosse — donated $500 or more to become honorary captain for a day. Also new this year: Day of Giving participants hit a record in new donor dollars. Participation from both alumni and employees increased this year, with full-time employees meeting the staff challenge and earning a day off on Friday, July 1.