T.O.P.-ping past records
Telephone Outreach Program breaks records making money for University
Ona Golonka
Issue date: 11/5/09 Section: News
Calling anyone to ask for donations can be nerve-wracking and intimidating. Imagine, then, having to call a special agent.
"Last night I called a FBI agent," senior Michael Scheepers said. "That was kinda scary. He just said 'Put me down for 100 bucks.'"
That describes just another day on the job at the Telephone Outreach Program, otherwise known as TOP.
T.O.P. callers regularly telephone alumni, parents of students and friends or other individuals who are somehow affiliated with UP, asking for financial donations for UP.
During a call, the caller establishes a conversation with the individual, updates contact information and asks three times for a financial contribution.
"One time I asked someone for $100 and they gave $100 per month for a year," said sophomore Halina Lukoskie. "Sometimes people surprise you."
T.O.P. has been making and breaking records year after year.
"Last year we made $225,000 with over 2,000 pledges and gifts," said Associate Director of Annual Giving and Coordinator of T.O.P, Adrienne Darrah. "The year before, we made $193,000 with 1,600 pledges and gift."
Darrah is certain that T.O.P. will topple last year's amount raised. This year's goal is $250,000.
Even though the economy is in a recession, the T.O.P.. program has still been bringing in record donations.
"Studies show that in times of recession, more individuals give," Darrah said. "It's a weird phenomenon."
Though the larger gifts have taken a hit, the smaller gifts, such as the $100 gifts, are still pouring in.
These contributions primarily go into a general fund, whose money goes toward the University's greatest needs. Among other things, these funds help enhance and sustain academic programs, enhance student activities and help provide financial aid.
"The funds support all activities," said Sarah Cota, a senior TOP student supervisor. "Tuition doesn't cover everything."
The number of donors who donate is equally important to the amount of funds that flow in.
"Last night I called a FBI agent," senior Michael Scheepers said. "That was kinda scary. He just said 'Put me down for 100 bucks.'"
That describes just another day on the job at the Telephone Outreach Program, otherwise known as TOP.
T.O.P. callers regularly telephone alumni, parents of students and friends or other individuals who are somehow affiliated with UP, asking for financial donations for UP.
During a call, the caller establishes a conversation with the individual, updates contact information and asks three times for a financial contribution.
"One time I asked someone for $100 and they gave $100 per month for a year," said sophomore Halina Lukoskie. "Sometimes people surprise you."
T.O.P. has been making and breaking records year after year.
"Last year we made $225,000 with over 2,000 pledges and gifts," said Associate Director of Annual Giving and Coordinator of T.O.P, Adrienne Darrah. "The year before, we made $193,000 with 1,600 pledges and gift."
Darrah is certain that T.O.P. will topple last year's amount raised. This year's goal is $250,000.
Even though the economy is in a recession, the T.O.P.. program has still been bringing in record donations.
"Studies show that in times of recession, more individuals give," Darrah said. "It's a weird phenomenon."
Though the larger gifts have taken a hit, the smaller gifts, such as the $100 gifts, are still pouring in.
These contributions primarily go into a general fund, whose money goes toward the University's greatest needs. Among other things, these funds help enhance and sustain academic programs, enhance student activities and help provide financial aid.
"The funds support all activities," said Sarah Cota, a senior TOP student supervisor. "Tuition doesn't cover everything."
The number of donors who donate is equally important to the amount of funds that flow in.
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