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Gretchen Winkeljohn ’14 and Krista Reese ’12
Hello, Hello! MC students connect
for The Manchester Fund
Student Phonathon callers raised $146,281 during nine weeks this fall, reports Brandt Patz ’10, assistant director of The Manchester Fund. Their success already puts the students more than 70 percent en route to a $210,000 goal for the entire school year.
Two extraordinary Phonathoners (MC has 29 student callers) have raised more than $27,000 in gifts and pledges. Krista Reese ’12, a sociology major from Grand Rapids, Mich., and Gretchen Winkeljohn ’14, a marketing and management major from Fort Wayne, have a great work ethic and quickly bond with donors, says Patz.
That’s probably because they’re naturals at telling donors – even over the phone – about how much their gifts mean to them personally, and to The Manchester Fund.
“I love hearing how passionate alumni are about Manchester,” says Krista. “They still care so much about this place.” When Gretchen talks to alumni, she’s impressed with “how willing they are to give money to support the College in these tough times.”
The Phonathoners usually call alumni with the same or similar majors, Patz says. That connection often results in conversations about what’s new and common experiences.
Students call each fall and spring, ringing up alumni, parents, grandparents and other friends of the College. They’ll begin again in February. If you didn’t receive a call in the fall, expect one in the spring, says Patz.
“Our student Phonathon callers are terrific ambassadors for Manchester College,” says Janeen Kooi, director of The Manchester Fund. “Their positive attitudes and love for Manchester College are evident to the alumni, parents and friends they call. And the response proves it! The amount pledged has increased each of the last four years, and pledges this year are the headed for the highest on record.”
Thank you for picking up the phone when MC calls, and for pledging your support to put StudentsFirst! Pay your Phonathon pledge online here.
By Melinda Lantz ’81
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