‘Together for Smith’ Giving Challenge

Beginning this month, in honor of Rally Day on February 20, Smith is launching a community-wide participation initiative to increase engagement in college activities, events and philanthropy.

Called Together for Smith, the initiative kicked off on February 1 with a monthlong “Rally for Smith” challenge to secure 2,019 gifts to The Smith Fund in honor of the class of 2019. Members of the Board of Trustees have pledged a collective gift of $325,000 for student scholarship support if the participation goal is met by February 28.

“The power of our community is undeniable,” said Beth Raffeld, vice president for development and interim vice president for alumnae relations. “It’s that strength that makes students want to attend Smith and inspires our alumnae around the world to stay connected to this college throughout their lives.”

In addition to this month’s challenge, there will be other opportunities throughout the year for members of the campus community, along with alumnae, to take part in Together for Smith. Alumnae, for example, might consider attending Reunion in May or mentoring a student or joining a group of friends for a Smith event in their hometown.

“There are so many ways to participate and engage with the Smith of today,” Raffeld said.

Increasing participation is important, Raffeld noted, because it “sends a message to prospective students, to faculty thinking of coming here to teach, to alumnae in the world that this college is worth investing in, whether it’s with your time, expertise or philanthropic dollars. We all benefit when we connect, share and learn from one another.”