The Red Hawk community of Montclair State University united for its annual “One Day For Montclair” fundraiser, collecting $708,687 in just 24 hours. This event, which took place simultaneously with Montclair’s World’s Fair Day, supports scholarships, athletics, and essential campus initiatives.
According to Kara Baldwin Brennan, Director of Annual Giving, “One Day For Montclair is a day where our entire community — alumni, faculty, staff, students, and parents — comes together to make a real impact for our students and programs.” Attendees sampled international foods and witnessed performances by student organizations at Alumni Green, which hosted over 50 tables of student organizations and campus offices.
The fundraising day encouraged donors to contribute to scholarships, programs, athletic teams, or student organizations of their choice. Brennan explained that various activities, including the “Give-a-Latte initiative” and donation match challenges, were organized to promote giving. “From the Red Hawk Pantry to our schools and athletic teams, every single dollar made a difference,” said Brennan.
A total of 2,005 donations were made, significantly impacting many initiatives and funds. For example, the Red Hawk Pantry received support to continue providing food and toiletries to students experiencing food insecurity. Rocky’s Closet benefited, aiding students in need of professional clothing for their career engagements.
Funds also bolstered the Montclair Emergency Scholarship Fund, the Educational Opportunity Book Fund, and Bloomfield College’s emergency scholarships and pantry resources. Following the merger with Montclair, Bloomfield College students now benefit from this annual event as well. The Deacon’s Fund, which supports Bloomfield’s NCAA Division II teams and esports program, also saw contributions for equipment and training facilities.
The event highlighted the power of community support in enhancing educational opportunities and student welfare at Montclair State University and Bloomfield College.
