Alabama Extension Seeks Donations for Local Projects During Tiger Giving Day

Auburn University's annual Tiger Giving Day on March 25 gave Autauga County residents a direct way to fund Alabama Extension programs that serve communities across the state, with three Alabama Cooperative Extension System projects on the ballot for a single 24-hour window of online giving.

The three projects from Alabama Extension at Auburn University included in this spring fundraising event were Alabama 4-H Summer Camp, 4M Youth Camp, and Pollinator Partners of Alabama. Since its inception in 2015, more than 12,000 donors have contributed to more than 360 projects through Auburn University's Tiger Giving Day.

The 4-H Summer Camp drive set a concrete target: Auburn officials aimed to raise $10,000, which would provide campers with scholarships worth $100. Every year, more than 1,400 campers from all 67 counties attend Alabama 4-H Summer Camp at the Alabama 4-H Center in Columbiana. "Confidence grows, friendships spark, and new leaders come to life at summer camp," said Ashlee Hall, a communications and marketing specialist for Alabama 4-H. "For many families, cost keeps this experience out of reach. That's why we're asking the Auburn family to help."

The second Extension project, 4M Youth Camp, took a different angle. Skillsets including money, math, meals, and manners inspired the creation of 4M Youth Camp, a five-day event designed for preteens to participate in hands-on lessons across those four disciplines. During Tiger Giving Day, the hope was to raise $5,000 to offer 4M Youth Camp in communities across Alabama, from Mobile to Phenix City and beyond. "For Alabama Extension at Auburn University, our mission is to transform lives through science-based information, practical solutions and meaningful experiences," said Portia Johnson, personal financial management state specialist for Alabama Extension. "The 4M Youth Camp helps us expand Auburn's reach into more communities, homes and hearts."

"Many parents are nervous or simply don't have the time to talk about things like math and money with their kids," said Cindy Knowlton, Mobile County Extension director. "With your help, let's support families through the 4M Youth Camp."

The third project targeted a quieter but consequential corner of Alabama agriculture. Funds raised through Pollinator Partners of Alabama would support expanded training sessions where participants learn to identify pollinators, create and protect their habitats, and take steps to safeguard the varying species. "Nearly 75% of the world's flowering plants rely on pollinators and one out of every three bites of food that we eat exists because of them," said Bethany O'Rear, a home horticulture agent with Alabama Extension. Officials set a goal of raising $10,000 to help provide training across the state.

"Any amount helps," O'Rear said. "Together we can make a lasting difference for pollinators in Alabama."

Donors could also give over the phone at 334-844-1427 or 334-844-7019. For more information about the three Alabama Extension projects, visit aces.edu/go/TigerGivingDay.