For the first time ever, the Miami-Dade College Foundation hit the $1 million mark in fundraising.
During the third annual IAM MDC Day last week, the organization raised a record $1,045,350 for scholarships and programs that support students seeking to earn their college degrees.
Last year, the foundation raised $228,543.
MDC alumni, staff, students and community members contributed large amounts of dollars to help reach the $1 million fundraising benchmark, supporting affordable, accessible and high quality of education for college students.
“To say that Miami Dade College’s third annual I AM MDC Day was a success is honestly an understatement,” said MDC president Dr. Eduardo J. Padrón, an alumnus of the College. “This incredible milestone is a testament to the strength and commitment of our Shark family and would not have been possible without the generosity and good will of so many people in our community and our sponsors who believe in the critical mission of our College. This special day was truly an affirmation of the immeasurable impact MDC has had on Greater Miami and our nation.”
All IAM MDC Day proceeds will support scholarships for MDC students and programs. Notable gifts designated for important programs include $250,000 from The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation for Puerto Rican students displaced after Hurricane Maria and $100,000 from the Sprayregen Family Foundation to establish a financial assistance program for student emergencies.
The lead sponsor of this year’s I AM MDC Day was McDonald’s South Florida Operators Association. Other sponsors were Bank of America, BankMobile, Geico, Sprint, Shutts and Bowen, Formula 1, Publix Super Markets Charities, Whole Foods, Burgerim, and South Florida Educational Federal Credit Union.
I AM MDC Day included spirited events at all eight MDC campuses. Padrón led a kick-off ceremony at Wolfson Campus with a check presentation from McDonald’s South Florida Operators Association, remarks from alumni and students, and a vocal performance from MDC alumna, singer and 2017 America’s Got Talent semifinalist, Yolo Mayor.
“This place is not only a Dream Factory, MDC gives opportunities to so many people and brings the community together,” said Alex de Armas, MDC alumna and WSVN 7 news anchor who was awarded the I AM MDC Day Ambassador Award. “I thank MDC for all the dreams that have become a reality and for all the opportunities given to me.”
“I can say that I am a living example of how, at MDC, opportunity truly does change everything,” said Carolina Mendoza, a student, scholarship recipient and president of the Student Government Association at Wolfson Campus.
“On such an important day for MDC, I know that more lives are about to be changed – just like mine.”