FAMU Day of Giving ‘1887 Strikes’ Raises More Than $660,000

Vice President for University Advancement Shawnta Friday-Stroud , Ph.D., addresses the crowd during the FAMUly Reunion event during the Day of Giving.

Florida A&M University’s Annual Day of Giving, “1887 Strikes,” campaign raised more than $660,000 and counting. The fundraising campaign kicked off Thursday, April 21 and continued for 1,887 minutes ending Friday, April 22, at 4:27 p.m.

President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., who had urged donors to give until they went numb, was effusive in praising the successful campaign.

“We raised over $650,000 during our third annual “1887 Strikes” Day of Giving campaign, which is nearly $200,000 more than last year,” Robinson said.

He thanked Frank Baker, co-founder and managing partner of Siris Capital, for his dollar-for-dollar match.

“We capitalized on his entire challenge match of $300,000. It made a real difference,” said Robinson, who had pledged to match student donations, which increased by more than 88 percent over 2021.

“You were able to raise over $13,902.51, which I was more than happy to match and include a donation on behalf of First Lady Sharon and me,” Robinson said in a video expressing his appreciation for the financial support and the success of the campaign.

Trustee Kimberly Moore, Ed.D., also pledged to match student donations, while FAMU Foundation Board Member Marcelia Freeman has agreed to match every new gift dollar-for-dollar made during the Day of Giving, up to $100,000.

This was the third year since the annual Day of Giving was launched to encourage new donors to support students through FAMU Cares, FAMU National Alumni Association’s Save Our Students scholarships, colleges, and schools, FAMU Athletics, and other student success initiatives.  So far, “1887 Strikes” has yielded more than $1.3 million.

Shawnta Friday-Stroud, Ph.D., vice president for University Advancement and executive director of the FAMU Foundation, was delighted with this year’s results.

 “The Day of Giving was an awesome showing of support for our students,” Friday-Stroud said. “So many people gave so much during this time of need for our students; it’s just truly remarkable. We cannot thank our supporters enough for what they have done and continue to do. Without you, we would not be FAMU, and our students would not have the awesome opportunities they have to succeed.”

To give, visit 1887Strikes.com.