As the heat of #hawkssoar24 winds down, we thank you for joining us on Santiago Canyon College's first ever Annual Giving Day. Yesterday, April 29, marked a historic moment for SCC as we came together to not only promote student support through giving but also encourage others to make their mark. Students were in Vazquez Promenade signing thank you cards for our donors yesterday morning and we couldn't be more moved by their heart touching stories. Many students wrote about how financial assistance, through various programs and scholarships, has helped keep them in higher education while giving their family a fighting chance to emerge from a poverty-driven background and an absence of education. Others wrote on how SCC is like a second home to them and has provided so much more than just education. Basic needs security, a community/tribe to help in times of need and a sense of belonging are some of the many "other" aspects that make SCC students proud of their campus. These are the students that your donations help day in and day out, so thank you.

As promised, the person with the most donors and winner of a pair of Apple Airpods Max is Esther Meade from the International Student Office! Thank you, Esther, and everyone who shared our campaign with friends and family. Your remarkable support is what drives change and ensures campus programs and initiatives get funded.

While #hawkssoar24 may have come to a close, our work is far from over. As of yesterday evening, 65 donors made a gift and over $15,000 was raised in support of campus programs, scholarships, student emergency funds and more. Your contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference and as additional gifts continue to come through the mail, please be encouraged to donate if you are able. Once again, our goal from the beginning has been DONORS, not dollars. We will continue to accept gifts until Friday, May 3rd, so please keep sharing!

Thank you for making your mark for #hawkssoar24!