Twenty-one students in the Sales Promotions and Event Planning class at UW-River Falls organized a fundraiser that raised $3,600 for the River Falls Sunshine Fund and led to clothing donations valued at more than $7,000. The class is taught by David Bonko, associate professor of marketing communications. UWRF photo.
 

Students raise $3,600 for local charity that helps families in need  

Gift & Thrift effort teaches marketing skills while also benefiting the community  

Dec. 12, 2024 - University of Wisconsin-River Falls marketing communications students recently combined hands-on learning with helping their community, raising $3,600 for families experiencing financial challenges and garnering clothing donations totaling more than $7,000.  
  
Twenty-one students in the Sales Promotions and Event Planning class spent the semester planning and designing the fourth annual Gift & Thrift event to raise money for the River Falls Sunshine Fund. The nonprofit, led by River High School students, provides financial assistance to people facing various hardships.  
  
The course is a real-life exercise in using marketing and communication skills to put on an event. It is taught by David Bonko, associate professor of marketing communications and program director of the marketing communications program.  
  
Throughout the semester, Bonko’s students organized a clothing donation drive and acquired sponsorships and donations from local businesses. They carried out marketing efforts, including on social media. The effort culminated in a Dec. 5 event on campus at which clothing sales and a silent auction raised money for the nonprofit.  
  
Students had set a $3,000 fundraising goal. Their hard work and the generosity of community members helped them exceed that number, they said.  
  
“The hard work paid off and exceeding our goal of $3,000 in donations was truly incredible,” said Alexis Opatz, a senior marketing communications major from St. Paul, Minn. “It was a rewarding experience that combined our personal growth with meaningful community impact.” 
  
In addition to the fundraising total, students also facilitated the collection of 3,284 clothing and household items. Items not sold at the event were donated to multiple nonprofits, including Adoray’s Treasures from the Heart and Second Chances Thrift Store, both located in River Falls, Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities, and Goodwill Industries.  The donated items were valued at $7,324.  
  
Colleen Jahnke, president of the River Falls Sunshine Fund, said she is impressed with the dedication students showed to collecting money and clothing to help others in their community. Since its inception in 2016, the fund has distributed more than $250,000 to more than 500 families. 
  
“The wonderful donation coming to the Sunshine Fund will continue to help in our assistance to those in need in our community and will allow us to continue our mission,” Jahnke said.  
  
Students said they were unsure what to expect from event, which was held in the University Center on campus. When they arrived, students were greeted with a long line of people waiting to enter. More than 600 people attended the event, nearly double the previous year. 
  
“We didn’t know how many people would show up,” said Ava Lund, a senior from Hugo, Minn., double majoring in marketing communications and communications studies. “Then the doors opened and there was this long line of people. It was heartening to see that so many people cared.” 
  
Students said they faced multiple challenges as they planned the fundraiser. Chief among them was simply collaborating with many different personalities and working styles, they said. Sometimes miscommunication got in the way of effective teamwork.  
  
“Better communication and collaboration across committees might have enhanced our marketing efforts,” Opatz said. 
  
However, overcoming struggles is part of the learning process of Gift & Thrift, Bonko said. Students not only learn the many facets of planning an event and the importance of teamwork, he said, but also how to deal with unforeseen circumstances and adversity.  
  
“As part of this effort, students learn in real time the challenges that crop up and how to overcome them,” Bonko said. “I’m very proud of what this group has accomplished. Hosting the event the week after Thanksgiving break presented a hurdle in terms of generating awareness and interest. However, from the comments made by our guests, this event was a success.” 
  
Students said they feel the same way. In addition to raising money for a good community cause, they said participating in Gift & Thrift taught them marketing and communication skills they will take with them into their careers. 
  
“I learned so much through this hands-on experience,” Lund said. “We learned about the importance of clear communication, about working with others, and how organized you have to be to do a good job of putting on an event like this. We not only learned about the event-planning industry, but we have the fulfillment of helping people in need.”