‘A lasting impact’: Augusta Gives set for March 19

Augusta can give back to the university that makes a $1.5 billion impact on the region’s economy by making a gift to Augusta University on March 19, when AU holds its annual day of giving — Augusta Gives, a community-funded initiative driven by social media posts and shares.

“Augusta Gives is a way for everyone — our surrounding communities, alumni and friends of the institution, as well as our own faculty, staff and students — to celebrate the dynamic institution that is Augusta University by supporting the areas that matter most to them,” said Kristina Baggott, interim vice president for Development in Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement. “We deeply appreciate the ongoing support from our donors, whose contributions have a lasting impact on the lives of our students, faculty, staff and patients.”

There are hundreds of various funding opportunities that support education, health care, research and innovation, as well as the Augusta University Foundation and MCG Foundation. Whether you give to a specific area, such as the new translational research building to foster scientific discovery or a scholarship fund to support students who may be the first in their families to attend college, every dollar can change lives.

There are many existing funds and areas to support, but some choose this event to enhance the university by creating something new. Two of last year’s donors took the opportunity to establish a lectureship to honor their late mothers. Klaus Ley, MD, and Catherine “Lynn” Hedrick, PhD, the founding co-directors of the Immunology Center of Georgia, established the Margaret-Gertraud Immunology Lectureship to advance immunology education and research.

During Augusta Gives 2024, more than 1,030 donors provided gifts totaling nearly $1.4 million. Remarkably, more than 700 of those gifts were $100 or less, demonstrating even small gifts can have a big impact.

Support can be elevated by sharing augustagives.com on social media and using the hashtag #augustagives.

Here’s how you can help Augusta University continue to thrive through Augusta Gives:

• Give — Make a gift at augustagives.com to support your favorite AU cause.
• Recruit — Join our You +2 Challenge. Get two others — friends, family, co-workers or alumni — to give.
• Share — Use #augustagives and spread the word on all your social channels.

For more information, please visit the Augusta Gives website or contact Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement via email or at 706-721-4001.