Fresno State raised $455,215 on its second annual Day of Giving event Thursday.

That’s a 7.17 percent increase over last year, preliminary estimates show.

“Fresno State’s second annual Day of Giving was a resounding success,” said Lisa Boyles, public information officer for Fresno State.

Nearly 1,000 More Individual Donors

Individual donors grew from 1,123 last year to 2,120 this year. Donors contributed from 42 states, compared to 29 last year.

Donors from 18 countries also participated, including Norway, Hong King, Iraq, Australia, South Africa, and Mongolia.

Boyles said the university saw nearly 90 percent more unique donors than in the first year of the 24-hour online fundraising campaign.

Individual donors included alumni, faculty, staff, students, parents, and friends of the university.

“We were overwhelmed by the sheer number of donors who contributed,” said Paula Castadio, vice president of University Advancement. “This participation signals the value of higher education and an interest in supporting our talented students. We are so grateful for the generosity of so many.”

Showing Bulldog Pride

Donors had the option to give to one of Fresno State’s eight schools and colleges or the program of their choice, Boyles said.

“Many donors gave multiple times to support what they are passionate about,” Boyles said.

Their efforts resulted in 2,710 gifts across various colleges, departments and program areas of Fresno State.

Fresno State started Day of Giving so that the university community could showcase their Bulldog pride philanthropically and on social media.

It is part of a growing national trend for dedicated giving days that have become popular at many universities.

Watch Donors Feed The D.O.G.