Give Online NowThe Smith Challenge
Bertie Deming Smith ’46 believes in the power of providing an unrestricted gift to Mary Baldwin College every year. To demonstrate her commitment to transforming the culture of giving at Mary Baldwin, she has pledged a total of $1.75 million to benefit the Annual Fund. This gift comes in the form of a challenge, focused on increasing participation and unrestricted annual giving. The Smith Challenge is divided into three separate phases covering a three year period:
Phase I - 2005–2006 SUCCESS!
The first phase of the Smith Challenge focused on a small, select group of alumnae. This group of alumnae responded generously and met the $500,000 challenge.
Phase II - 2006–2007 SUCCESS!
The Smith Challenge to the Grafton Society and Reunion 2007 classes was a huge success! As a group, these loyal alumnae raised more than $500,000 to secure Mrs. Smith’s matching gift and raise more than $1 million for MBC.Phase III - 2007–2008 SUCCESS!
Last year, the ten classes who celebrated a milestone reunion in 2008 were challenged to raise $600,000. These loyal alumnae responded generously and raised a remarkable $723,000! With Mrs. Smith's matching gift of $600,000, reunion giving reached a record $1.3 million dollars- a truly transformational gift for their alma mater. What an achievement!
Meeting every phase of the Smith Challenge successfully required our alumnae, parents, and friends to make a generous investment in MBC. That investment is paying off. THANK YOU to all who participated in the enormous success of the Smith Challenge!