'One Day for UK' Set for April 21

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 25, 2021) — On April 21, the University of Kentucky will celebrate its third university-wide giving day, "One Day for UK." For 24 hours, the university will encourage donors around the world to give to the college, unit or cause they care most about at UK.

During the first "One Day for UK," supporters gave more than $1 million to more than 50 areas across the university. Last year, the university postponed the giving day from April to September. Despite the hardships that the pandemic induced, donors contributed 3,539 gifts for a total of $2,644,378 in 2020.

As the third giving day approaches, UK’s goal is to continue supporting the many ways the university is building a more vibrant future.

“'One Day for UK' is an exciting opportunity for alumni, faculty, staff, friends, and fans to support the areas of UK that mean the most to them,” said Andrew Palmer, UK’s director of annual giving. “Every day, philanthropic gifts are changing lives and impacting communities thanks to a wide variety of projects and areas across the university. 'One Day for UK' is an incredible way to highlight the impact every gift makes at UK.”

"One Day for UK" supports the university’s comprehensive campaign, "Kentucky Can: The 21st Century Campaign," which increases opportunities for student success, funds innovative research, improves health care, strengthens the alumni network and enhances athletic programs. Now, with more $1.5 billion raised toward the $2.1 billion goal, Kentucky Can benefits from every gift.  

“The Kentucky Can campaign allows us to build bridges and forge new paths for UK,” says Mike Richey, vice president of philanthropy and alumni engagement. “From scholarships and experiences for students, to research and health care, we are dedicated to creating the future UK deserves. 'One Day for UK' plays an integral role in the Kentucky Can campaign and is another step toward building a brighter future for our students, the Commonwealth and beyond.”

“Giving on 'One Day for UK' is so much more than a transaction,” says Palmer. “Each gift creates a better tomorrow for our students, faculty, staff, alumni, patients and more. This is a special day to bring gifts of all sizes together for a big impact.”

To further promote the day, each college, unit and cause is seeking the support of BBNfluencers — alumni, friends, donors and students — to help publicize "One Day for UK" through their personal social media accounts.

You can sign up to become a BBNfluencer here.

Most colleges, units and causes have selected a specific fund or funds to highlight on "One Day for UK." A complete list can be found online.

On April 21, visit the "One Day for UK" website to make a gift, track the progress and learn how the campaign benefits UK. Leading up to the 24-hour campaign, donors can make a gift by mailing a check or by visiting Network for Good. Simply check a box to have your gift applied to the giving day total.

To join the online conversation, follow #OneDayforUK on all social media platforms.