Last Updated on February 24, 2021 by Ivy Tech Community College Kokomo Region
SOURCE: News release from Ivy Tech Community College Kokomo Region
KOKOMO, Ind. — Courtesy of the pandemic, the annual event to fund scholarships at Ivy Tech Community College’s Kokomo Campus became a “non-event” in 2020, but that didn’t deter donors from being even more generous in their support of deserving students. Starting with a goal of raising $20,000, the tally of donations is now approaching $50,000.
“Every year, we plan a Celebration for Student Success scholarship event to bring together our friends and supporters to raise funds for scholarships,” said Kelly Karickhoff, executive director of resource development for Ivy Tech’s Kokomo Service Area.
“With everything going on in 2020, we could not safely bring people together so we pivoted to a ‘non-event,’” she continued, “We joked, ‘No need to dress up, no need for a baby sitter, no need to leave home,’ but we never would have predicted the generous response we have experienced from our request for scholarship support. People understood that in this global pandemic students need support more than ever.”
Recognizing the challenges facing Ivy Tech Kokomo, the campaign team set a $20,000 goal, a little less than is normally raised at the annual event, Karickhoff said. The campaign got off to a great start when Peru philanthropist Rita Jackson, a long-time supporter of Ivy Tech, provided a $10,000 gift designated for matching opportunities. When that $10,000 was matched, a local couple who wishes to remain anonymous provided another $5,000 match, further boosting the campaign.
“As of Feb. 24, Ivy Tech Kokomo is excited to announce that the total donations for the 2020 Scholarships for Student Success campaign stood at $48,520,” Karickhoff said. “We’re hoping we can exceed $50,000 by the time the campaign closes at the end of March.
“Our students continue to have great need, especially during this time, and scholarship gifts make a tremendous impact,” she continued. “Each gift, no matter the size, makes a difference and helps students on their journey to a better future.”
Donations may be made by going to impact.ivytech.edu/scholarshipsforstudentsuccess or by contacting Karickhoff at kkarickhoff@ivytech.edu or 765-252-5501.
Karickhoff extended special thanks to these community and corporate organizations: Community First Bank of Indiana, Community Howard Regional Health, Duke Energy, FCA, First Farmers Bank & Trust, Haynes International, Mid-America Beverage, NIPSCO, REALTORS Association of Central Indiana, RD Filip, Security Federal Savings Bank, and the Ivy Tech Circle of Ivy women’s philanthropic organization.
Looking forward with optimism, Karickhoff encouraged people to mark their calendars for Oct. 8, when Ivy Tech Kokomo is planning the 2021 Celebration for Student Success fundraising evening featuring the return of Dueling Pianos, a musical comedy duo who entertained an enthusiastic audience in 2019.