Florida Gateway College Foundation Aims for $140,001 in Annual Giving Day Auction

The Foundation for Florida Gateway College has announced its 3rd Annual Giving Day Experience Auction, setting an ambitious fundraising target of $140,001 to support scholarships, student programs, and campus initiatives. The week-long auction, running from November 11 to November 18, 2025, represents a critical fundraising effort that directly impacts student accessibility and educational quality at the community college level.

This initiative matters because community college funding directly affects workforce development and educational accessibility in Florida. With rising educational costs and increasing demand for skilled workers, such fundraising efforts ensure that financial barriers don't prevent qualified students from pursuing higher education. The auction's success could determine how many students receive scholarship support in the coming academic year.

The Foundation outlines three primary ways for community members to participate in supporting student success. Donors can make direct contributions through the college's official giving portal at https://www.fgc.edu/give, where every dollar contributes to immediate student needs. The online auction platform at https://fgc.winningbidder.com/event features exclusive experiences including a military fighter pilot flight experience in a vintage warbird aircraft, luxurious travel vacation packages to both local and international destinations, and an Ultimate Pro Sports Fan Getaway package alongside handcrafted goods and other unique items.

A particularly impactful opportunity involves establishing new endowment funds with matching opportunities. Any general scholarship or vocational scholarship endowment starting at $12,500 will be matched dollar-for-dollar, instantly creating a $25,000 fund. This matching program significantly amplifies donor impact and creates sustainable funding sources that will support students for generations to come.

Rebecca Golden, Director of Resource Development at the Foundation, emphasized the organization's commitment to removing financial barriers. "We believe students should have every opportunity to attend Florida Gateway College regardless of their financial situation," Golden stated. "So we build relationships with YOU, with companies, with anyone who shares the passion for helping Florida Gateway College students."

The implications of this fundraising effort extend beyond immediate financial support. Successful auctions demonstrate community engagement with higher education and can influence future corporate partnerships and donor relationships. For students, these funds can mean the difference between continuing their education or postponing their academic goals due to financial constraints.

For the local community, supporting Florida Gateway College through initiatives like the Giving Day Auction contributes to workforce development and economic growth. Educated graduates often remain in the area, strengthening the local economy and filling skilled positions in various industries. The diverse auction items, from unique experiences to practical goods, ensure there are participation opportunities at various contribution levels, making community-wide involvement achievable.