Crowdfund campaign aims to raise funds for student programs

The #ONEUNG Stronger Together Crowdfund campaign this month seeks to raise $68,000 for projects benefiting University of North Georgia (UNG) students. The campaign runs from April 5-30, with goals for the 16 featured funds ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.

"These giving campaigns are a representation of who we are as a community," said Alberto Perez, director of annual giving. "Our faculty and staff have great vision and major goals to achieve for our students. Now, we are excited to see how our alumni and other supporters step up to make these projects a reality."

One new project aims to bring in $10,000 to support the leadership program of Fraternity and Sorority Life. Aubrey Frazier, director of Fraternity and Sorority Life, said the support of #ONEUNG will make a major difference for students on the Dahlonega and Gainesville campuses.

"Being able to host transformative co-curricular learning experiences will help ensure our student leaders are staying up to date on national and local trends facing fraternities and sororities," Frazier said. "It will also empower them with the resources to lead our community with integrity and excellence."

Another new effort needs $1,000 for improvements to the Dahlonega Campus Food Pantry. Sherry Parker, who oversees the Dahlonega Food Pantry, said the funds raised from #ONEUNG will enhance the pantry's services at the Historic Vickery House.

"We want to have a place where the students can make a meal and sit on the back deck and eat. It will be a nice, restful place," Parker said. "We're trying to take away the discomfort some may feel when they ask for help by making it a more inviting place."

The other projects for the #ONEUNG campaign include:

• Mike Cottrell College of Business experiential learning support, $3,500 goal
• Friends of music, $1,000 goal
• First-generation student initiatives, $5,000 goal
• UNG Gardens at Oconee, $1,000 goal
• Honors Program's 25th anniversary, $5,000 goal
• Realizing Inspiring and Successful Educators Undergraduate Program (RISE UP) and Aspiring Teachers Program, $5,000 goal
• Byron Woolfolk Chemistry Fund, $5,000 goal
• Hometown Harvest, $5,000 goal
• High-resolution campus, $2,500 goal
• Friends of a free press at UNG, $5,000 goal
• Digital marketing certifications: Facebook blueprint, $5,000 goal
• Green Zone veteran video, $8,000 goal
• The Chestatee Review, $1,000 goal
• Martin Parris Soccer Scholarship, $5,000 goal