CANTON, IL — The totals are in, and the Spoon River College Foundation’s 2025 #GivingSPOONday campaign received tremendous support from across the region and beyond. The fundraising campaign brought in $61,900 to benefit students at Spoon River College.
This year’s theme, “Our Community. Our Future.”, reflected the deep connection between local generosity and the opportunities created for SRC students. The Foundation once again participated in the global Giving Tuesday movement, inviting alumni, employees, businesses, and friends of SRC to join together and make an impact on December 2.
Over 210 gifts were received, and amounts ranged from $1 to $12,000. Gifts came from multiple states such as Florida, New Hampshire, and Arkansas, demonstrating once again that the SRC community extends far beyond western Illinois. The campaign continues to grow each year, building on the momentum that began in 2015 when the Foundation first set a goal of $5,000. Since then, #GivingSPOONday has raised over $510,000 to support scholarships, emergency aid, academic programs, and student-centered initiatives.
A vibrant social media campaign helped drive this year’s success. Several donor challenges encouraged participation and unlocked additional contributions of $1,000 and $5,000. A special giving hour between 2:00–3:00 p.m. rewarded every donor with an SRC umbrella, which generated a spike in giving.
Donors were also entered into a drawing for a Bistro 101 gift card, with Keith Mellert of Canton selected as this year’s winner.
“This year’s #GivingSPOONday truly showed how committed our community is to supporting our students,” said Dusty Berg, Director of the SRC Foundation. “The enthusiasm around the donor challenges, giveaways, and social engagement made the day fun, but more importantly, it helped create real opportunities for our students. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who participated.”
As in past years, donors were able to direct their gifts to areas most meaningful to them—including scholarships, facilities, academic programs, the Student Emergency Hardship Fund, or unrestricted support that allows the Foundation to quickly address emerging needs.
People who were unable to participate in this year’s #GivingSPOONday but still wish to support SRC students can visit src.edu/give or call (309) 833-6083. The College will be closed for winter break from December 20 through January 4, but gifts remain tax-deductible in 2025 if postmarked by December 31.
“What’s always special about #GivingSPOONday is how the entire SRC community—whether by sharing posts on social media or giving a single dollar—comes together to make a positive difference,” added Berg. “We are truly thankful for the kindness and generosity shown this year.”