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September 14, 2011
Phonathon Rings in Donations During Annual Kickoff
Samford University’s Phonathon kicked off Monday night with 18 current students calling an array of individuals connected to Samford. Jared Martin (shown left), assistant director of annual giving, said the evening got the program, which creates relationships and ethically solicits monetary donations, off to a great start.
"It was an incredible night for calling… Nights like that are what inspire you and inspire the callers,” he said.
Phonathon put a few new changes into action Monday night. The script for the student callers has been revamped. This changes the way Phonathon approaches alumni, parents and friends of the university. Callers are emphasizing that donations can be made to an area within Samford of their choice, like different departments or scholarships.
Phonathon is offering alumni, parents or friends the opportunity to “give back to what gave to them,” Martin said.
These changes will hopefully increase participation and donation. If Monday night was any indication these changes will be successful. The night’s goal was exceeded by $3000.
Mondays through Wednesdays students call alumni, parents and friends for donations. On Thursday nights callers contact high school seniors to talk to them about Samford and answer questions. Martin said it is “paramount” that students call for both areas of Phonathon.
Whether it is calling for donations or talking to perspective students about attending, Samford callers are “selling the Samford experience,” said Martin. Staffers have the ability to form a strong connection with alumni, parents, friends and students alike.
Martin said the whole Phonathon team is geared up to have many repeats of Monday night’s results.
"We’re getting excited to try to do that every night," he said.
