Topper Day of Giving is one of the most important fundraisers for West Liberty University. During this event, donors join together to support higher education at WLU. This year’s Topper Day of Giving was held on April 1, and the online and in phone event raised $188,000 from the one day event.

The event is run by the WLU Foundation. During Topper Day of Giving, donors can earmark gifts to go to the academic program, student life, or sports that they choose to unlock matching dollars. Donations were raised by alumni, staff, friends and neighbors.

There were also gifts received from over 20 different states across the United States. WLU ended up raising $38,000 over what their $150,000 goal was. All of the money was received by just 865 donors. The program with the most contributions was the Men’s Basketball Program with $34,500 being brought in. The top three programs with the most donors were: Wrestling, Volleyball and Theatre.

The corporate sponsors of the event are CMTA Energy Solutions and Mills Group. The WLU Foundation is a volunteer Board of Directors and operates with offices on WLU’s campus and a location in downtown Wheeling. According to the foundations website, the stated mission of the WLU Foundation, as adopted by the board, is as follows: “The Foundation supports, strengthens and sustains the University through raising, investment and stewardship of private funds.”

Since July of 2016, the foundation has taken on more roles to be more active. The WLU Foundation is a non-profit organization and contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. The Foundation will return the proceeds to the University to any of the needs identified by the president of the college. Donors can donate at any time on the WLU Foundation website by clicking the “Donate Online” button featured on their homepage. All online payments are safe and secure. Anyone who would like to still consider a gift can donate at the website or call 304-336-5635. You can also send donations through the mail to the WLU Foundation at 208 University Drive, Box 126, West Liberty, WV 26074.