COLLEGE SHATTERS FUND-RAISING RECORDS
August 7, 2002, Bloomfield, NJ -- Just one year after setting capital campaign records in support of its new library, Bloomfield College shattered records for its Annual Fund and non-campaign giving. During the 2001-2002 fiscal year that ended on June 30, Bloomfield College received more than $2.5 million - the largest amount ever raised in a single year at the institution.
The College extends its deep appreciation to the hundreds of generous alumni, friends, trustees, foundations, churches, corporations, and College employees who enabled the College to reach a tremendous benchmark in Bloomfield College fund-raising.
The 2001-2002 Annual Fund decidedly shattered its goal of $400,000 by raising $656,853. This total represents an increase of 271 percent over the $242,804 raised during the 2000-2001 fiscal year. Annual Fund growth of this magnitude is exciting and heart-warming news to the entire campus community. The Annual Fund provides critical unrestricted support that can be directed to student scholarships, technology, library and lab equipment, and many other areas that enhance each student’s Bloomfield experience.
“We are thrilled to have such tremendous Annual Fund participation from so many individuals and organizations. It demonstrates a great deal of faith in the mission of Bloomfield College, and makes a real difference in the lives of our students,” said Linda Caldwell Epps, Vice President for College Relations.
Success was achieved through a carefully implemented plan. The Development staff reached out to many more alumni and friends of the College through face-to-face visits, personalized letters, and telephone contact. Alumni giving played a major part in the success of this year’s fund-raising, as did the generosity of college employees and trustees.
In May, trustee Jim Kellogg put the Annual Fund over the top by offering a very generous challenge to his fellow Board of Trustees members. Kellogg offered to match dollar for dollar - up to $25,000 per trustee - every increased Annual Fund gift made before June 30. This challenge helped inspire exceptional giving by the Trustees, many of whom made second and third gifts to the Annual Fund. The Kellogg Challenge raised $255,800 from Trustees - a total of gifts made during May and June only.
“We’re extremely grateful for Jim Kellogg’s vision and generosity. His challenge provided a financial and emotional boost to the Annual Fund and helped us reach new heights,” said Bloomfield College President John F. Noonan.
Bloomfield College also received an extraordinary gift from the estate of Patrick Carretta, a former trustee and long-time friend of the College who died last year. The gift of $500,000 will honor the memory of Patrick’s wife by establishing the Katherene E. Carretta Nursing Scholarship. Given the national shortage of nurses, this scholarship will be critical in drawing men and women into this important profession.
“Pat and Katherene were beloved members of our College community. We look forward to stewarding many students to a career in nursing as we honor the legacy of the Carrettas,” said Vice President Epps.
Another noteworthy gift was a first-time grant of $100,000 made by the Bestfoods Educational Foundation to support student scholarships. The grant will assist upperclass men and women to remain in school and earn their degrees.
Founded in 1868 as a Presbyterian seminary, Bloomfield College today is an independent, four-year, co-educational institution offering programs in the liberal arts and pre-professional studies. The College’s mission is to prepare students to achieve academic, personal and professional success in a multicultural and global society.
