UC Davis student-philanthropy group We Are Aggie Pride today announced it successfully raised $110,000 from and in honor of UC Davis students this academic year. The WAAP board met a challenge posed by the UC Davis Foundation Board of Trustees to raise $10,000 for WAAP awards from students and UC Davis employees. Donations made to WAAP as part of this campaign were then matched tenfold by the UC Davis Foundation Board of Trustees, resulting in an additional $100,000 for the student-philanthropy group.

“We Are Aggie Pride is a unique and critical resource for students in sudden need,” said Sarah Durrand ’16, executive communication director for the organization. “Life is unpredictable, and sometimes unexpected costs come a person’s way. We Are Aggie Pride is a voice that says to students who have difficulty meeting that cost, ‘This community cares about you. This community wants you here and wants to help you stay here.’ And I think the generosity of the UC Davis Foundation Board’s match exemplifies the universitywide compassion that is so integral to UC Davis.”

The $10,000 campaign began in September 2015. Since then, the We Are Aggie Pride board of directors, staff advisers and volunteers have worked tirelessly to reach the goal. The organization met weekly to discuss strategies, hosted fundraisers and tabled at various campus events such as athletic games. In addition, the group hosted events to celebrate Student Engagement and Philanthropy Month in February and co-hosted the Third Annual Stride for Aggie Pride 5k in April.

The tenfold match from the UC Davis Foundation Board will provide We Are Aggie Pride with enough funding to start an endowment. It is a significant milestone in the organization’s history, because the endowment will create a permanent source of funding that will live in perpetuity. Mike Child ’76, chair of the UC Davis Foundation Board, said he is encouraged to see We Are Aggie Pride grow and help even more students in need.

“UC Davis students are diligent and impressive individuals, and we, the Foundation Board, are invested in their success,” Child said. “It speaks strongly to the strength and dignity of our university community that this philanthropic effort exists, and the board has enjoyed the opportunity to work with We Are Aggie Pride to help students who have an immediate need.”

Although the organization met its goal, it does not mean the student group will stop fundraising anytime soon. Students, staff, faculty, alumni and community members alike are welcome to donate to We Are Aggie Pride at any time.