Florida Gateway College Foundation Launches Annual Giving Day Auction with $140,001 Fundraising Goal

The Foundation for Florida Gateway College has announced its 3rd Annual Giving Day Experience Auction with an ambitious goal of raising $140,001 to support scholarships, student programs, and campus initiatives. The week-long fundraising event runs from November 11 through November 18, 2025, providing community members with multiple ways to contribute to student success at the college.

Rebecca Golden, Director of Resource Development at the Foundation, emphasized the importance of community support in making education accessible. "We believe students should have every opportunity to attend Florida Gateway College regardless of their financial situation," Golden stated. "So we build relationships with YOU, with companies, with anyone who shares the passion for helping Florida Gateway College students."

The Foundation has outlined three primary ways for supporters to participate in the fundraising effort. Donors can make direct contributions through the college's official giving portal at https://www.fgc.edu/give, where every dollar directly supports student programs and scholarships. The online auction platform at https://fgc.winningbidder.com/event features exclusive experiences and packages available for bidding, including 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.

A significant component of this year's campaign involves endowment creation opportunities with matching funds. The Foundation is offering dollar-for-dollar matching for any general scholarship or general vocational scholarship endowment starting at $12,500, instantly transforming these contributions into $25,000 funds. This matching program provides donors with an efficient way to create lasting educational legacies, with many choosing to honor or memorialize loved ones through these meaningful gifts.

The diverse auction items reflect the Foundation's understanding of donor interests while maintaining focus on educational impact. Beyond the high-profile experiences, the auction also includes handcrafted goods and local treasures, ensuring there are participation opportunities at various contribution levels. This strategic approach to fundraising acknowledges that community support comes in many forms and amounts, all of which collectively contribute to the $140,001 goal.

For current and prospective students at Florida Gateway College, successful fundraising translates directly into increased accessibility to higher education. Scholarship support can mean the difference between pursuing educational goals or delaying them due to financial constraints. The funds raised also support campus improvements and initiatives that enhance the overall learning environment, creating ripple effects that benefit both students and the broader community.

The timing of the annual event positions it as a strategic opportunity for year-end charitable giving, allowing donors to support education while potentially receiving tax benefits. The extended week-long format provides ample opportunity for community members to participate according to their schedules, whether through direct donations, competitive bidding, or establishing permanent endowment funds that will support students for generations to come.