The NOVA Foundation was honored to host the 5th annual NOVA Giving Day on April 23. This 24-hour fundraising challenge, one of the Foundation’s biggest annual days of giving, involved all members of the #boldlyNOVA community: students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, friends, family and the broader community.

Held on the Annandale campus, this year’s event drew nearly 250 members of the NOVA community. Students enjoyed playing games, networking with business partners and NOVA departments (NOVA Workforce, Wellness and Mental Health, Financial Aid and Student Affairs - Great Expectations/parenting students), and plenty of savory and sweet treats, including coffee and other specialty drinks, popcorn, Dunkin’ Donuts donated by Mohammed Baluch, and pupusas donated by Carlos Castro Sr., NOVA Alum and CEO of Todos Supermarkets.

Thanks to a matching gift from NOVA donors Anne and Steve Altizer and a challenge grant from Steve and Debbie Cohen, we raised just over $122,000—a 103% increase over our goal of $60,000. All funds raised support the NOVA Empower Bright Futures Fund, a versatile fund that provides flexibility and “just-in-time” funds to meet the emerging needs of the College and our students, including Five NEW Giving Day scholarships of $675 each for students who participated either in this year's event in person or online via Giving Day Bingo. More than 150 students received special Giving Day chips with QR codes linking them to NOVA's AwardSpring platform and access to apply for the special Giving Day scholarship.

Other highlights from 5th annual NOVA Giving Day: 

• 230+ students applied for the Giving Day scholarship
• 100 students visited the Career Services’ professional clothing closet, and 60+ took items to build their career wardrobes at no cost
• 60+ donors contributed
• 20 students played online Giving Day Bingo, offered in partnership with NOVA Online Student Life
• 8 NOVA students and Annandale Provost Diane Mucci modeled professional attire from the clothing closet in a pop-up fashion show

To empower bright futures for students please click here.

To join the NOVA Foundation Alumni and Friends Network, please click here.