Record-Setting Generosity: SRC Founders’ Day
Raises More Than $120,000
The numbers are in, and the Spoon River College Foundation’s 2026 Founders’ Day campaign is one for the record books. The college’s annual day of giving raised $120,098 on October 15, making it the most successful fundraising day in the event’s 11-year history.
The historic total is nearly double last year’s contributions and shattered the previous record of $100,154 set in 2022.
The milestone reflects an extraordinary show of support from alumni, donors, employees, businesses, community members, and friends of Spoon River College who came together to invest in students and the future of the communities the college serves.
“To raise more than $120,000 in a single day is an incredible testament to the generosity of our supporters,” said Michelle Howe, Interim Director of the Spoon River College Foundation. “What makes this achievement so meaningful isn’t just the amount raised, but what those dollars will make possible for our students. Our donors are helping remove barriers, open doors, and create opportunities that can change lives.”
Originally known as GivingSPOONday, the annual event began in 2015 and has grown into one of the Foundation’s signature fundraising initiatives. Throughout the day, supporters participated in giving challenges, heard stories from students and alumni, reconnected with the college, and made gifts supporting scholarships, emergency student assistance, academic programs, and the Foundation’s greatest areas of need.
“Founders’ Day is about celebrating the legacy of Spoon River College while investing in the opportunities that will shape its future,” said Dr. Shelley Barkley, President of Spoon River College. “To see our community respond with this level of generosity is truly inspiring. Every gift, regardless of size, represents someone who believes in our students and the life-changing power of education.”
More than 200 gifts were received during the campaign, ranging from $1 to $30,000. Contributions arrived from across the country, including Arizona, Texas, Maine, Florida, and Arkansas, demonstrating that the SRC community extends well beyond West-Central Illinois.
From first-time donors to longtime supporters, each contribution played a role in making this year’s Founders’ Day a historic success. “Whether someone gave $1 or $30,000, they were part of something extraordinary,” Howe added. “We’re deeply grateful to everyone who gave, shared our message, or encouraged others to participate.”
Although Founders’ Day has concluded, opportunities to support SRC students continue throughout the year. Those wishing to make a gift may visit src.edu/foundation/donation or call (309) 833-6083.