One Ball State Day returns April 5 with $1 million goal

MUNCIE, Ind. — One Ball State Day, Ball State University’s 24-hour fundraising event, returns for its fifth year on Wednesday, April 5, with the goal of topping last year’s record-setting effort.

In 2022 — thanks to the support of alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends worldwide — the university raised over $1 million on One Ball State Day (OBSD) for the first time.

This year, Ball State hopes to achieve a fifth straight year of increased giving on OBSD, garnering even more support for the university’s students, faculty, programs, services, resources, and more.

"I am grateful to all of the members of our university community — our students and their families, our graduates, and our faculty and staff — who make One Ball State Day a success each year," Ball State President Geoffrey Mearns said in a release. "Their contributions enable us to provide a transformational educational experience to our students, so that they can pursue fulfilling careers and meaningful lives, I encourage everyone to participate and support our students and our outstanding programs."

Ball State graduates, friends, and supporters can participate in the event by donating online at oneballstate.bsu.edu anytime from midnight to 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, April 5. Supporters are also encouraged to post their Cardinal pride throughout the day on social media by sharing photos, videos, and stories to inspire friends and family to give by using the hashtag #OneBallState.

New on-campus events for this year’s One Ball State Day celebration include the Cardinal Dash and Splash, a series of races at Lewellen Pool between university employees on adult-sized inflatable ducks, and a "Spirit Parade."

Returning OBSD events include “I Spy: Charlie” treasure hunts, "Pizza with the President" and grab-and-go activities across campus.

“We hope to build on last year’s success by once again raising over $1 million, and by increasing the number of individual donors,” said Lola Mauer, associate vice president of alumni engagement and strategy for the Ball State University Foundation. “Last year, more than 2,000 gifts were from Ball State employees, which is an amazing level of support that we’d love to see again.”

Since the event’s inaugural year in 2019, One Ball State Day has raised more than $2.9 million from more than 22,000 gifts to support students, faculty, and University programs that include scholarships, emergency aid, Cardinal Kitchen, Universities Libraries, athletics and more.

For more information about One Ball State Day 2023 — including participating groups, event challenges, how to become an ambassador, frequently asked questions, and how to give — visit the OBSD website.

This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: One Ball State Day fundraising event planned for April 5