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Raritan Valley Community College will be celebrating its 7th Annual “Giving Day” on March 23, and this year’s “Match Madness” theme is once again benefitting from RVCC supporters and longtime Far Hills residents, Frank and Pat Russo. The Russos, through the Frank S. and Patricia F. Russo Foundation, have pledged a 100% match of up to $50,000 of funds raised in support of RVCC Giving Day 2023.

“We are happy to help RVCC again by funding this ‘match challenge’ and hope it motivates others to follow our lead,” said Frank Russo. “The College is more than worthy of the collective support of our community.”

“We are again indebted to Frank and Patricia Russo,” said Michael J. McDonough, President, Raritan Valley Community College. “Their leadership and exceptional support continue to inspire us all.”

Members of the community are invited to participate in this 24-hour, online fundraising event organized by the RVCC Foundation. Last year, RVCC had a record-setting Giving Day, with a more than fourfold increase in funds raised over 2021, netting $135,716 to help the students, programs, and priorities of RVCC.

“This is the one day of the year when we ask the collective community to come together in its support of RVCC,” said Mike Marion, Executive Director, RVCC Foundation and RVCC Alumni Association. “It’s  an affirmation of the College’s unique role in transforming lives and our impact locally, regionally, and beyond,” added Marion.

“It’s important that we all build on the amazing generosity of the Russos,” said Allan Boomer, Chair of the RVCC Foundation Board of Directors. “We hope everyone takes their example to heart and makes a gift of any size on March 23.”

RVCC Giving Day 2023 donors may select from a wide range of College programs, student clubs, RVCC Athletic teams, and other initiatives they wish to support, including the Student Resource Center and Food Pantry, the Service Learning Program, Paul Robeson Institute, and Workforce Training Center, and a range of scholarship offerings. Donors can also “write in” their giving preferences if they don’t see it on the website. This year’s Giving Day campaign also offers companies a “FINAL FOUR” corporate sponsorship opportunity, with exclusive branding on the RVCC Giving Day website and in the Foundation’s social media and email messaging.

“RVCC Giving Day is integral to the College’s culture of service, philanthropy, and difference-making,” said Marion. “We cannot be more grateful to Frank and Patricia Russo, for their generosity, and for modeling the behavior and values we seek to instill in our students. That may be the ultimate gift.”

Those interested in being counted as a donor on RVCC Giving Day 2023 should visit www.raritanval.edu/givingday on March 23 and make a minimum gift of $10. Donors also may text RVCC to 71777 to donate from their phone, using any major credit or debit card. Anyone interested in making a “pledge” of support in advance of March 23 can do so by texting RVCC to 71777 or by visiting the RVCC Giving Day site at www.raritanval.edu/givingday. Those who pledge in advance will be contacted on March 23 by RVCC Foundation staff to accept their gift and designated area of support.

For additional information about Giving Day, donors are also encouraged to contact Janet Dunne at 908-648-8355 or janet.dunne@raritanval.edu.

Ranked by WalletHub.com and Intelligent.com as the #1 community college in New Jersey, Raritan Valley Community College has been serving as an academic and cultural center for Somerset and Hunterdon County residents for over 50 years. The College has been nationally recognized for its service to the community, environmental stewardship, and commitment to diversity. It is home to  a Planetarium, Science Education Institute and 3M Observatory; a Theatre offering professional performances for all ages; and an Honors College for high achieving students.

The College offers more than 90 associate degrees and certificates, as well as career training and professional development courses. RVCC is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg, NJ. For further information, visit www.raritanval.edu.



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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 2, 2023

Media contact: Donna Stolzer, 908-526-1200, ext. 8383

PR #97