11-03-2025
HCC Foundation raises $181K in one-day giving campaign
HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) – The Holyoke Community College (HCC) Foundation surpassed its fundraising goal during its fifth annual 'Together HCC: Drive to Change Lives' campaign.
The one-day giving campaign, held on March 4, brought in $181,285 from 504 donors, including alumni, students, faculty, staff, and community members. The goal was to secure 500 donors, a milestone that was exceeded through widespread support.
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'For the fifth straight year, our network of alumni, faculty, staff, and friends continue to show how much they care about HCC students,' said Julie Phillips, HCC's Director of Development. 'With so many people giving what they can, it shows our students that we are invested in their success.'
The funds raised will directly support six key areas that benefit HCC students:
Academic Excellence and Innovation
Scholarships
The Thrive Student Resource Center and Food Pantry
The President's Student Emergency Fund
The President's Fund for Opportunity
The HCC Foundation's Unrestricted Fund
Alumni accounted for the largest portion of donors at 37%, followed by HCC faculty and staff at 30%, friends of the college at 19%, parents at 5%, and students at 5%.
Donors collectively unlocked $130,000 in challenge pledges, including a $5,000 contribution from Gary Rome, owner of Gary Rome Hyundai in Holyoke, and a HCC Foundation Board of Directors member.
'Every gift to the 'Together HCC' campaign matters,' said Phillips. 'When we remove barriers for one student, we're not just changing their life, we're transforming their family's future and strengthening our entire region.'
The HCC Foundation originally launched the 'Together HCC: A Campaign for Caring' initiative in March 2020 to provide financial relief to students struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since 2021, with Rome's support, the campaign adopted the 'Drive to Change Lives' theme, collectively raising nearly $1 million for student aid programs.
Those who missed this year's giving day but still wish to contribute can make a donation online.
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