Rice’s annual Day of Giving happened on Tuesday, March 17, St. Patrick’s Day, with the goal of raising $175,000.
This day is one of the most important days for the Advancement Office.
The Day of Giving first started nine years ago in 2017, as an initiative from the Advancement Office to create a day of celebration for the Rice community, while also raising funds for the Rice-Cathedral annual fund.
The money raised goes directly to the Rice-Cathedral annual fund, which supports many things at Rice but most importantly tuition assistance. 40% of all Rice students receive some form of financial aid. The cost to educate a student at Rice is over $20,000, even though tuition is currently $14,000 and will increase to $15,250 next year. With an increasing tuition, there is a gap of over $5,000. The money raised on the Day of Giving goes towards filling the gap of the cost of tuition and the cost to educate each student.
The fund also supplements athletics, the arts, and academics, supporting every aspect that makes Rice, Rice.
When everyone arrived at school that morning, the Rice Drumline was already there playing people into the building and setting expectations high for the day to come.
During the school day, students and teachers participate in many fun activities, like the annual Ro Sham Bo contest.
All students receive one string of beads and attempt to win more by competing against students and teachers. The game of Ro Sham Bo, typically known as Rock Paper Scissors, is played around the school and the students with the most beads meet in the main lobby after school to find the victor.
“It’s a great way to connect with other students around the school,” said Bret Stonemen, a senior at Rice and the winner of Ro Sham Bo for two years in a row, “it’s a good distraction from school stress that day.”
Students also gathered during TA in a school-wide Town Hall to participate in another competition inspired by St. Patrick’s Day.
William Widen, a math teacher at Rice, emceed the event, making it fun for the students who participated and students who only watched.
“He brought a lot of energy,” said senior Maryann Nunn. “It was really nice to start out the day that way.”
Outside of school, students also encouraged their families to donate.
Alongside these donations, people could leave messages or make donations in honor of teachers and faculty, past and present, or even students of the Rice community.
“[I am] so grateful for this amazing community of students!” wrote Catherine Schmitt, science teacher at Rice, in her donation.
People could also make challenges, making the process of donations one of excitement. The Nunn family challenged 50 more parents to donate to the Rice Day of Giving for them to give $5,600, a challenge that would fill the gap between the cost of education and tuition.
Through GiveButter, the Rice community rallied and connected, expressing their deep appreciation and love for Rice.
“[We are so] grateful for the teachers, staff, and community who inspire my kids everyday and are shaping their futures,” says the Ribera family.
The first day of giving raised $50,000, and nine years later, we are over $206,000.
“Without the support of many alumni, parents, and grandparents, the success of the Rice Day of Giving would not be possible. We are grateful for the generosity of so many,” Nancy Viner, the Director of the Advancement Department said. “We would like to extend our gratitude to donors who committed to doubling the first $75,000 of donations. This really inspired many to give.”
While the Day of Giving is an important event, Rice always welcomes donations:
https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/o3-h0wj8n-npofh3ORmolw
