Hearts on Fire Sets Another Fundraising Record
The sixth annual Hearts on Fire Day of Giving exceeded fundraising records, garnering support for student financial aid, athletic teams, academic programs, and various funds across campus.
This year, 821 donors committed a record-breaking $288,878—far surpassing the $200,000 goal. Father James Greenfield, OSFS ’84, Ed.D., president, extended his thanks and appreciation to all of the alumni, friends, faculty, staff, and students who contributed to our mission.
“Everyone opened up their hearts to help us continue to give substantive and meaningful financial aid and scholarships to future Bulldogs. Thanks to one and all, and know that I and everyone here at DeSales keep all of you in our own hearts and prayers so that we can continue to be who we are and be that well.”
Once again, the DeSales Fund was the top designation. The fund supports the University’s highest institutional priority of scholarships and financial aid. This year’s campaign also saw record student participation, and all alumni class years were represented.
Brennan Gmeiner ’13, a marketing and management graduate, and Kathy Gmeiner ’15, M’16, a medical studies and physician assistant graduate, further fueled the initiative by sponsoring a challenge match for all donations toward the three DeSales Free Clinics.
The challenge raised more than $24,000 to benefit the clinics, where students in the Physician Assistant, Doctor of Physical Therapy, and Speech-Language Pathology programs gain real-world experience and provide the local community with free healthcare services.