URI Student Philanthropy Council to celebrate National Philanthropy Day across campus throughout November

URI SPC to celebrate National Philanthropy Day all month long to raise support for Students First Fund

Courtesy of the URI Student Philanthropy Council

KINGSTON, R.I., November 16, 2016 – The University of Rhode Island’s Student Philanthropy Council (SPC) will be celebrating National

Philanthropy Day by rallying fellow students to increase awareness and raise support for the URI Students First Fund. The Council will also extend the celebration by hosting student-centered events across campus throughout the entire month of November.

The Students First Fund was created a few years ago to assist enrolled URI students facing a financial emergency or challenge. Funds raised help provide immediate financial support surrounding unforeseen situations such as accidents, illness, death of a family member, fire damage or need for temporary housing. The fund may also assist students who require support relating to an unexpected academic need or opportunity. The Division of Student Affairs manages the administration of these emergency funds.  Last year, with great support from the student body and other donors, 32 students received emergency support.

URI SPC members invite the campus community to visit booths, where they’ll learn more about the impact of the Students First Fund and also have the chance to show what they lo

ve most about URI at the following locations during SPC Philanthropy Days:

  • Memorial Union: every Wednesday in November from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Butterfield Dining Hall: every Monday in November from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Also, look for the SPC at the Nov. 16 URI men’s basketball game at the Ryan Center, where members will share information on the fund and pass out rally giveaways at the door.

URI’s Student Philanthropy Council is made up of more than 25 students and its main focus is to make sure other students understand the impact of donations to the University, which contribute to everything from scholarships and experiential learning opportunities to faculty support and facility improvements – from which all students benefit.

“Our council is proud to promote the Students First Fund to the entire campus community because it is open to all URI students in need and has a tremendous positive impact on students who are going through a tough time,” said URI SPC Chair, Erin Regan ’18. “It represents exactly what the name of the fund implies, it helps put students first when they need the support of fellow Rams!”