This Valentine's Day marked the ninth year of the Give To Gators (G2G) Faculty & Staff Annual Giving Campaign with its #GatorLove Kick-Off Luncheon.

UHD Annual Giving with Voya Financial as the presenting sponsor hosted 180 faculty and staff members who mingled and enjoyed a taco buffet. UHD’s very own mascot, Ed-U-Gator, made an appearance for photo ops with attendees!

Special guests included 15 students who benefited from private philanthropic giving to the University. They shared their stories on how their gifts made a difference in their college career—a testament to the real impact of private giving.

President Loren J. Blanchard joined the festivities and spoke of UHD’s history of service to others and how our employee philanthropy serves as examples that define the University’s Culture of Caring. He also thanked attendees at the luncheon for the work they do each day in support of student success and the donors for their contributions to the G2G Campaign, which provides the financial foundation on which to build that success.

Provost Deborah E. Bordelon’s message emphasized the importance of collaboration among faculty and staff, and she acknowledged the work of the G2G Committee members, who represent every UHD division. She also issued a challenge for 100% participation among all faculty and staff. Bordelon went even further to reward any unit reaching 100% participation with pizza that she’ll deliver.

“There aren’t enough thank-yous for the gratitude I have!” said Sandra Jacobson, Manager of UHD Annual Giving. “From the students who made time to share their stories to the G2G committee members who made this campaign kick-off happen to our committed leadership, like Provost Bordelon and President Blanchard. We have the best Gator Community ever!”

The G2G Campaign will run through March 31. So, don’t miss your chance! Where and how much to give is your choice. Popular funds include Food for Change Market, UHD’s General Scholarship Fund, and campus favorites—the Library Excellence Fund and the IT Scholarship Fund. Joining the lineup is the new Determined Gator Fund.

For more information about the campaign, visit the G2G Campaign online or contact Sandra Jacobson, Manager of UHD Annual Giving, at jacobsons@uhd.edu or 713-221-8184.