Building a Brighter Future: Rocket Forward Day of Giving, March 20-21

March 5, 2024 | Athletics, News, UToday, Advancement, Alumni
By Kate Zenone



Rocket Forward Day of Giving is our day to think about tomorrow, and our shared vision for the future of The University of Toledo.

The 36-hour online fundraising campaign benefits current and future Rockets across our campuses. Running from 6 a.m. on Wednesday, March 20, to 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 21, the initiative features more than 2,000 funds for supporters to choose from, providing everyone the opportunity to support an area that matters most to them.

Promotional graphic with photo of Rocky and Rocksy in front of the Tol-Edo sign. The graphic is for the Day of Giving, March 20-21.Since 2017, Day of Giving has generated more than 17,280 gifts from Rocket supporters who helped the University rocket forward to meet workforce needs, drive innovative programs and change the world with groundbreaking research and procedures.

“Rocket Forward Day of Giving is a day to share — with fellow Rockets and our greater communities — how UToledo has made a positive impact on your life and career,” said Heather Slough, senior director of annual giving programs. “By sharing your story and why you choose to give back, you are helping to continue that legacy.”

Celebrating the seventh year since the Day of Giving tradition began, we know that with the help of our Rocket family we can rise even higher. This year, we hope to inspire 3,400 donors to join in and show the world what Rockets can achieve together.

How you can make an impact

Advocate for the program, scholarship or group that means the most to you.

Share your story and help us build momentum by taking action to help share Rocket Forward Day of Giving with your network. Leverage our social graphics and toolkit to make (and track) your impact.

In 2023, Rocket advocates generated more than 200 additional gifts through their support and advocacy.

Donate to pay it forward for future generations.

Make your gift between 6 a.m. Wednesday, March 20, and 6 p.m. Thursday, March 21, to show your support for the people, programs and places that made your experience at UToledo so great.

Inspire others by creating an opportunity to leverage a match or challenge gift, motivating others to join Rocket Nation and build a brighter future. Whether you position your gift as a dollar-for-dollar match or a challenge to reach a set number of donors, you can inspire others to take action.

Celebrate with others in the community.

If you are local or visiting the Toledo area, join other Rockets fans and community partners to celebrate together by supporting Rocket Forward at your favorite local businesses.

View promotion details and the most up-to-date list of community partners at give.utoledo.edu.

•  Balance Grille, from March 3 to 17
All Toledo Locations. Use promo code “UTLOVESBALANCE” to get an order of free creamy wontons with a $5 purchase. 10% of the proceeds will be donated to UToledo. Check UToledo Foundation social media for details.

•  Blarney Irish Pub, March 20
601 Monroe St
Round up for Rockets

•  Bubba’s 33, March 20
3534 Secor Rd.
Round up for Rockets

•  Buff City Soap, March 20, from 3 to 7 p.m.
3444 Secor Rd.
20% of all proceeds will be donated to the UTMC General Fund and people can purchase limited time “rock-et” soap as well as donate products to patients with financial need.

•  Calvino’s, March 20
3143 Central Ave
Portion of your purchase will come back to UToledo

•  Ye Olde Durty Bird, March 20
2 S St Clair St.
Round up for Rockets

•  Home Slice Pizza, March 20
28 S St Clair St.
Round up for Rockets

•  Jake’s Saloon and Sports Pub, March 20
2520 Dorr St.
Round up for Rockets

•  Table 44, March 20
610 Monroe St.
Round up for Rockets

•  UTMC Four Season Bistro, March 20
3000 Arlington Ave
Round up for Rockets

“This is our day to make an impact and every Rocket counts,” said Brenda Lee, president of The University of Toledo Foundation. “It’s no secret that higher education is still facing its share of challenges today, but Rocket Forward Day of Giving is our moment to fuel UToledo’s future and ensure we are building a legacy that lasts.”

Last year, during a historic sesquicentennial year for The University of Toledo, Day of Giving set a new milestone, raising more than $2.1 million in donations in the 36-hour campaign on March 29 and 30. The total was nearly an 11% jump from the previous year and a new record in the six-year history of the campaign.

Thank you to all the supporters near and far who continue to show their support for this important tradition that creates even more opportunities for The University of Toledo Foundation to help supporters make their mark on UToledo’s legacy, our community and our students.