We sell tickets. We play in 3-on-3 tournaments. We spend hours and months planning campus-wide events. We would do anything to raise money for our philanthropies that we support. It's hard, but it's worth it.
But there is an easier way to raise that money - $5,000 with a single tweet to be exact. State Farm is choosing one lucky University of Michigan student to reward their #OffCourtAssist in their community to receive a $5,000 donation to their philanthropy and an ESPN GameDay Prize Pack including a $250 gift card to the campus store and sweet ESPN College GameDay swag.
How to Win:
1. Pick a photo of your #OffCourtAssist participating at a philanthropy, or doing community/volunteering work. 2. Post on Twitter / Facebook / Instagram with the hashtags #OffCourtAssist + #UMich. 3. Repeat as many different times and photos as you want, from NOW through this Thursday, January 22 @ 12pm EST.
One national grand prize winner will also be rewarded - receiving the $5,000 donation, the Prize Pack, PLUS an exclusive behind-the-scenes ESPN College GameDay Postseason Experience in Indianapolis.
I think we all can agree that what makes the University of Michigan truly distinguished is the ability for students to become victors for the greater good, transform lives, shape the world and make great things happen. There is a special place in every student’s heart for Michigan, a profound pride even, because we know that we are a part of something much bigger than ourselves. Michigan is not only home to people who are dedicated to themselves and to their own futures and aspiration, but also people who support each other and want to see others succeed. With that, Michigan has been able to create a tremendous network for giving back. Students of all kinds plan philanthropic events benefitting causes like St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, ALS and many more through events such as Dance Marathon and Box Car Derbys.
The amount of work and dedication each organization on campus exhibits to its philanthropic cause is unbeatable. We as a campus spend hours, days and months in preparation for these fundraisers so that every single detail is planned to perfection. For example, my chapter’s philanthropy benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. To date, Delta Delta Delta nationally has raised more than $30 million for the children of St. Jude. Our chapter personally puts on events like “Tri Hop,” where students from all over campus are invited to attend an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast. We also host “Frats at Bat,” where fraternities participate in a home run derby to raise money and awareness for St. Jude.
Our philanthropy really hits home for many of our members. Mackenzie Pohlman, a sophomore Delta Delta Delta, says, “For me personally, my father had cancer and I recognize how cancer and illness affects families and their lives. We have been given an amazing opportunity to help others and help save these kids' lives.”
But how would the women of Delta Delta Delta feel if we could raise an additional $5,000 for St. Jude’s with just a simple Tweet? If we could save hours of planning events simply by socially sharing an image of our philanthropy?
There are harder ways to raise $5,000.
The largest student run non-profit organization in the state of Michigan, Dance Marathon, raises money and awareness for C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital as well as William C. Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak. This annual event that began in 1997 involves over 1,000 student participants standing on their feet for 24 hours straight. As you can imagine, because of the magnitude of this event, it needs a year's worth of planning.
Nicole Exe, a DMUM alum, explains that the bond with this philanthropy lasts even once you are no longer on campus.
“Dance Marathon changed my life and I want to help it change others’ lives, both the families and the volunteers. The range of therapies, activities and programs that we support is amazing and so very needed.”
Every penny counts For The Kids (#FTK), so imagine what they could do with an additional $5,000. Imagine hitting a fundraising goal of $5,000 by spending 5 minutes creating a post on Instagram. There are harder ways to raise $5,000. The men of Phi Delta Theta at Michigan work all year in effort to raise funds for The ALS Association. They choose to do things differently when it comes to philanthropy by hosting five major events throughout the school year. Phi Delta Theta sophomore, Joseph Evans, says, “At Phi Delt, our philanthropic model is ‘quality over quantity.’ Our largest event is Box Car Derby where we work with Ann Arbor Active Against ALS, the Ann Arbor township and the Greek community. This year, we have also started a MRelay team with the sorority Alpha Delta Pi. Our philanthropy events raise anywhere between $1,000-5,000."
It is remarkable to think about the positive impacts these philanthropic efforts can make in other people’s lives with even more effort. However, I believe it is worth acknowledging just how much better these campaigns could get in order to span a larger audience and achieve even greater success. I encourage you to invest a little bit of time to send out a Tweet, a Facebook status or an Instagram. It is amazing that an enormous impact can come from something that is so seemingly small. With giving comes greatness, and that is what the true “Michigan Difference” aims to be.
There are harder ways to raise $5,000.No purchase necessary. Must be a legal resident of the 50 U.S. or DC, 18+ to enter. Ends3/15/15. Void where prohibited. Click here for complete details and Official Rules.
