KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The University of Tennessee is trying to raise $2.5 million in a single day during the Big Orange Give event, starting Wednesday.
Usually, the university would hold several events during the event, to engage the campus community and encourage donations. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of the events have gone digital this year. The UT Humanities Center is hosting a Big Orange Give Zoomathon, starting at 8 a.m.
During the event, organizers will take participants through virtual tours of the new facility and feature messages from faculty. People will be able to log in at any time through 5 p.m. and visit with Director Amy Elias or ask questions about the center's programs.
Beneficiaries of the event also include the Student Emergency Fund, which helps students experiencing financial hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds can be used to pay for food, academic needs, emergency housing needs, and one-time medical expenses.
Donors can donate to specific funds, to help programs like the Clarence Brown Theatre. They can also donate to specific colleges through the event. Several programs and colleges have fundraising goals listed on the Big Orange Give website.
Joshua Dobbs also said he will match all gifts made through social media, up to $5,000. He also said that he will match gifts for the Student Emergency Fund up to $5,000. To take advantage of the gift-matching opportunity, donors can donate through a special link.