KEARNEY, Neb. — The University of Nebraska at Kearney is celebrating its fifth annual "One Day for UNK" fundraiser, which is a 24-hour giving event that unites alumni, faculty and supporters around one goal: strengthening opportunities for students.

Running through noon Thursday, the online fundraiser allows donors to contribute directly to the programs and organizations they care about most.

Sam Schroeder, UNK’s student body president and student regent, said the event represents more than just financial giving, it’s a statement of pride in what UNK means to students and to Nebraska.

“It’s just a great opportunity to support UNK and really the Kearney community in rural Nebraska,” said Schroeder. “Our students benefit so much from generous philanthropic support, I’ve been a benefactor of that myself and couldn’t thank our donors and generous benefactors more.”

The annual event began five years ago as a way to focus fundraising efforts and celebrate the spirit of giving.

Last year, supporters contributed more than 2,000 gifts totaling nearly $300,000. This year, the goal is 2,100 gifts, supported by more than $230,000 in matching funds that could double the impact of donations.

Paul Twigg, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, said this year’s giving event includes major matches for programs across campus — from health care initiatives to the arts.

“We’ve got a $71,000 match for our rural health programs through KHOP and other rural health initiatives,” Twigg said. “There are also matches for our Kearney Law Opportunities Program, an artist-in-residence fund, and for UNK Bands. Our state funding supports most programmatic needs,” said Twigg, “but the exceptional things like experiential learning, internships, or sending our band to perform overseas — those are made possible by our donors. They’re the reason students can have those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.”

Supporters can give through givingday.unk.edu through noon Thursday.