CSB, SJU both race past goals during day to give Nov. 16

Back in the old days — say, about 1990 — when organizations attempted to raise money, they would use a tote board to keep track of the amount raised.

Every hour or so, the numbers on the board would spin and whirl and a new total would come up.

These days, everything is pretty much digital, giving folks a fast, up-to-the-minute total. Good thing, too - both the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University raced past their goals on "Give CSB Day" and "Give SJU Day" on Wednesday, Nov. 16.

Here are what the totals looked like when all was said and done:

• CSB raised a total of $422,136.39 which includes matching grant money. A total of 1,078 donors contributed, with the average gift $173.

"This was our largest giving day goal to date, and in true Bennie spirit our community rose to the challenge," said Maggie Weber Utsch '00, director of annual giving at CSB. "Not only did we reach our goal, we surpassed it. I continue to be inspired by the generosity of our community and their support and belief in the power of a Saint Ben's education. "

• SJU raised a record total of $436,348, which includes matching grant money. A total of 1,268 donors contributed, with the average gift $270. It was the most donors SJU has had in a single day.

"Volunteers helped us get the word out to alumni, parents and friends of the university," said Raj Chaphalkar '08, director of annual giving at SJU. "Even after the match was fulfilled, we saw donors wanting to be part of a fun, engaging day that involves a whole community."