Holy Cross College’s community rallied together for an unforgettable Giving Tuesday, raising a record-breaking $211,536.85 in direct gifts on Dec. 4. With the match applied, the College reached a remarkable $423,073.70, more than double the original goal and the highest one-day total in College history.
The response was so overwhelming that a generous match donor extended the match to every Giving Tuesday gift, a move made possible only because of the extraordinary momentum created by the community’s outpouring of support.
“Astonishing generosity”
For Sarah Charles, Director of Development, Annual Giving & Operations, the day was defined by gratitude and palpable momentum.
“I’m truly astonished and deeply grateful for what our community demonstrated yesterday. People responded at every level, in ways we’ve never seen before, and it speaks to the growing excitement and faith our donors have in the mission of Holy Cross. From small gifts to large ones, the generosity was extraordinary and profoundly inspiring.”
More than 160 donors contributed throughout the day, with gifts ranging from $10 to $10,000. Several mailed gifts are still being received and will be added to the total in the coming days.
From hope to momentum
Vice President for Development Michael Brach sees the day as a defining moment for Holy Cross’s trajectory.
“I remember our very first Day of Giving at Holy Cross more than a decade ago. There was hope and energy back then, but nothing like the excitement I sensed Tuesday. What we witnessed was unprecedented. It tells me that good things are happening here, and people want to be a part of it.”
He noted that the sheer pace and scale of giving, so strong that the match had to be extended, demonstrates a deep belief in the College’s direction and mission.
A community shaping the future
The success of Giving Tuesday reflects the continued momentum building around Holy Cross College. Each gift, regardless of size, directly fuels scholarships, academic innovation, faith formation, leadership development, and transformative student experiences.
As Charles put it, the day’s results “represent the faith and excitement people have for this place.”
To those who continue to give in the days ahead. There is still time to contribute and join the wave of support.