The Foundation for Florida Gateway College has launched its third annual Giving Day Experience Auction with an ambitious goal of raising $140,001 to support student scholarships, campus programs, and institutional initiatives. The week-long fundraising event, running from November 11 to November 18, 2025, provides community members with multiple avenues to contribute to student success and educational accessibility.
This initiative matters because it directly addresses financial barriers that prevent students from pursuing higher education. Rebecca Golden, Director of Resource Development at the Foundation, emphasized the organization's commitment to ensuring financial circumstances don't hinder educational opportunities. "We believe students should have every opportunity to attend Florida Gateway College regardless of their financial situation," Golden stated, highlighting the Foundation's approach to building relationships with individuals and companies who share their passion for supporting students.
The fundraising campaign offers three distinct participation methods for supporters. Community members can make direct contributions through the Foundation's official donation portal at https://www.fgc.edu/give, where every dollar contributes directly to student support programs. Alternatively, participants can bid on exclusive experiences and packages through the online auction platform available at https://atfgc.winningbidder.com/event.
This year's auction features an impressive array of items designed to attract diverse interests. Notable offerings include a military fighter pilot flight experience in a vintage warbird aircraft, luxurious travel vacation packages to both local and international destinations, and an Ultimate Pro Sports Fan Getaway package. The auction also includes handcrafted goods and various other exclusive items that provide bidders with unique experiences while supporting educational causes.
A particularly significant aspect of this year's campaign involves endowment matching opportunities. Donors who establish new general scholarship or vocational scholarship endowments starting at $12,500 will receive dollar-for-dollar matching, instantly creating $25,000 funds. This matching program represents a substantial opportunity for donors to maximize their impact, with many choosing to honor or memorialize loved ones through these enduring educational legacies.
The implications of this fundraising effort extend beyond immediate financial support. Successful campaigns like this directly influence community college accessibility, workforce development, and regional economic growth. By supporting scholarships and campus initiatives, donors contribute to creating a more educated workforce capable of meeting evolving industry demands. The program's focus on vocational scholarships specifically addresses critical workforce needs in technical fields, while general scholarships ensure broader educational access.
Community college funding initiatives have demonstrated significant impact on student retention and completion rates. Programs supported by such fundraising often determine whether students can continue their education or must abandon their academic pursuits due to financial constraints. The Foundation's work through events like the Giving Day Auction represents a crucial bridge between community support and student achievement, creating pathways to success that might otherwise remain inaccessible.
