This year’s holiday fundraising effort—in which student volunteers staffed the phones to get the word out on Tuesday, Dec. 4—yielded more than $68,000 to support scholarships and key student programs.

SAN MARCOS — On Tuesday, Nov. 27—also known around the U.S. as “Giving Tuesday”—the Palomar College Foundation raised $68,000 for students, eclipsing last year’s figures by $20,000.

“The response this year was overwhelming,” said the foundation’s Executive Director, Stacy Rungaitis. “Every dollar of these generous donations will be used to help students pursue their education and their dreams right here at Palomar. Thank you to our wonderful community for their generosity this holiday season.”

Giving Tuesday is a nationwide fundraising movement celebrated in the U.S. on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving and described on www.givingtuesday.org as “A Global Day of Giving.” Associated with the “widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday… #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving.”

At Palomar College, funds donated to the Foundation on Giving Tuesday help provide scholarships, textbook assistance and support the Palomar Promise. Last year, the Foundation raised some $48,000.