OCTC Campaign surpasses $3 million target - Foundation's effort raises $3.45 million

Writer: Joy Campbell

7/20/2007 Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer

The Owensboro Community & Technical College Foundation's five-year, major gifts campaign brought in $3.45 million -- exceeding the $3 million target its members had hoped to hit by June 30.

Cathy Baker, the foundation's executive director and campaign manager, announced the results at the OCTC board of directors' regular meeting Thursday evening.

The three-initiative campaign received broad support from 993 volunteers and contributors, Baker said.

The report shows the most money was earmarked for the college advancement category -- $2.57 million -- which will support education and training programs identified as community needs for which state funding isn't provided. In-kind gifts and equipment made up $181,437 of that total.

Nearly a half-million dollars was raised for the student access/success initiative. Those funds will be used for scholarships for students working toward educational goals while balancing family, work and other financial issues.

Baker said numerous scholarship endowments totaling $356,685 were created to help students.

The campaign also raised $348,536 to help in meeting unexpected needs and for its Title III grant match, and $7,418 from other gifts.

"It has been a good effort," current foundation chairman Bill Chandler said. "It's hard to get people to ask others for money, and I think everyone involved did a great job with the campaign."

The fundraising leadership included three honorary co-chairs -- John Hager, Jean Wells and Billy Joe Miles -- along with 12 co-chairs, 15 vice chairs and 29 team captains.

"We're obviously excited," said Mike Fiorella, who was the foundation chairman when the campaign was announced five years ago. "... Everybody involved with the campaign is extremely grateful to the community for the support we received."

The OCTC employees contributed $140,751 to launch the campaign in 2002, and the board foundation gave $568,201 in 2003 before asking for donations from the community. Gifts from the community from 2004 to 2007 amounted to $1.74 million.

Fiorella said the faculty's 98 percent giving rate was amazing.

"When the people who spend all their time and efforts at the college are also willing to give some of their own money, that's a strong signal," he said.

Both Chandler and Fiorella commended former college President Jacqueline Addington for her leadership on the campaign.

The foundation now will explore a new approach to annual campaigns, Chandler said.

Baker will be leaving her post with the college Aug. 1 to return to her hometown of Mount Washington. She wants to be near her parents to help with health issues. She has lived in Owensboro for 20 years and has worked at the college for 12.

"It's nice to end on a positive note; they say that's a good thing," she said.