Raritan Valley Community College raised a record $203,655 during its 24-hour Giving Day, aimed at supporting scholarships, student clubs, athletic teams, and various college initiatives. The event saw a significant boost from a $50,000 "match challenge" led by benefactors Jim and Jill Gibson, along with The Caruso Family Foundation. "Offering the challenge was an easy decision for us," said Jim Gibson. "We know how important the match is and we’re huge believers in RVCC and its impact."
This year’s total marks a 32% increase over the previous Giving Day and represents a 23% rise compared to 2023's record of $164,585. A $50,000 donation from Lori Grossi also contributed significantly to the overall amount. "My goal was to eventually endow the RVCC Scholarship for Fundamental Fairness, which I established in 2020 in memory of my husband, Jay," Grossi commented. She viewed the event as a prime opportunity to support education and honor the college community.
Michael J. McDonough, president of RVCC, recognized the generous contributions, expressing gratitude: “This year’s record-breaking results are inspiring, and we can’t thank each donor enough — and especially The Caruso Family Foundation, the Gibsons, and Lori Grossi.” The Caruso Family Foundation echoed this sentiment, with Anthony Caruso Sr. noting, “The positive impact RVCC has on the lives of its students and our community is immeasurable and instrumental.”
In total, 35 student clubs and athletic teams raised a combined $33,095, both marking new records for the event. Funds raised by students will be matched, doubling their contribution. Alumni participation and funds raised also showed a 30% increase.
Donors had options to allocate their contributions to various college programs, such as the Student Resource Center, the Pray Family Center for Service Learning and Civic Engagement, and the Workforce Training Center. This year's Patrick J. Fittipaldi Impact Award celebrated the men's basketball team, which raised the most funds, and the women's basketball team, which received the most $50+ donations.
The RVCC Foundation, which serves as the college's fundraising arm, plays a crucial role in supporting the college's offerings beyond public and tuition funding, maintaining its status as a leading academic institution in Somerset and Hunterdon counties.
