This post was written by Hatchet Staff Writer Keegan Bales.
Colonial Connection, a student-staffed call center that solicits monetary gifts from alumni and other GW community members, has raised nearly $50,000 more in donations than it had at this point last year.
Chelsea Theis, manager of the Annual Giving Program and head of the call center, said that as of Tuesday, Colonial Connection raised $130,567 – nearly $50,000 more than the same date one year earlier. In the face of a sluggish economy, Theis credited the increase to an aggressive start in August, rather than September, and a larger student staff for the growth.
She added that to find success in a time when many families nationwide are tightening their purse strings, Colonial Connection emphasizes that every contribution makes a difference.
“We heavily stress the importance of participation,” Theis said in an e-mail. “A $10 gift is just as valuable as a $100 or $1,000 gift.”
Colonial Connection also encourages donations by credit card instead of by mail, something Theis said is more efficient and saves money on postage.
“It’s a secure process, supports the University’s sustainability efforts and ensures we receive the gift immediately, rather than waiting for the gift to be mailed back to GW,” Theis said.
Senior Marissa Tonelli, a Colonial Connection student manager, said the key to being a successful caller is remaining upbeat.
“I would say that overall the alumni are very polite, whether or not they are interested in giving, and will respond if you ask good open-ended questions,” Tonelli said.
Theis said the Colonial Connection program supports the relationship between alumni, parents and friends of the University and the school and raises money for the Annual Fund.
“Although some can’t contribute right now due to the economy, we want to maintain a rapport and hear about their GW experience,” Theis said. “With the current economic climate, it is now more important than ever to keep in touch with our alumni, parents, and friends.”
Colonial Connection employs work-study students to make calls to update contact information, discuss upcoming events on campus, and ask for contributions.
Most donations come from alumni, particularly those who graduated more than 10 years ago, Theis said, adding that Colonial Connection also reaches out to current students and their families in order to build a relationship early.
