SAN MARCOS — The Palomar College Foundation received $81,973 in donations during the annual Giving Tuesday fund-raiser on December 2, providing significant support in the Foundation’s mission to remove financial barriers to student success.

The results were driven in part by a matching donor, who pledged to match $25,000 of donations dollar-for-dollar, as well as a coordinated campaign to highlight student stories in the weeks leading up to Giving Tuesday.

“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of our community of donors this year,” said the Foundation’s Executive Director, Stacy Rungaitis. “Thanks to our faithful supporters—and some new donors who have joined our mission this year—we will be able to say ‘yes’ to more students who need a little extra support to stay in school.”

To bring the whole college together, the Foundation invited Palomar College employees to make a “Dough-nation” during a morning reception featuring donuts and camaraderie at the EDGE, a new employee focused center at the main campus in San Marcos.

“On behalf of our Governing Board, employees and especially our students, I want to thank every one of the generous supporters who gave on Giving Tuesday,” said Superintendent/President Dr. Star Rivera-Lacey. “The Foundation does such important work to help students overcome financial barriers while pursuing their educational path.” 

Rungaitis shared the story of Victor, a dedicated father of four, who was tackling his finance assignments on his phone—a challenging feat for any student. Thanks to the Foundation, “we were able to provide him with a laptop, giving him the tools he needed to stay on track and work toward his degree,” she said.

All funds raised on Giving Tuesday will be used to support the Foundation’s core programs—scholarships, textbook assistance and emergency grants—all of which serve the Foundation’s mission to remove financial barriers to education.