Student callers celebrate fundraising success

A total of 45 students made calls to raise $131,446 during a two-week period ending Feb. 16. While celebrating the phonathon’s success Feb. 29, the foundation gave recognition to the callers who raised the most money. They are Chantel Sullivan of Mullen, Michaela Odenbaugh of Platteville, Colo., and Chelsey Horn of Buffalo, Wyo.

Karen Pope, CSC director of development and alumni, said the annual effort was dampened by a 33 percent increase in wrong numbers or calls that didn’t go through. She said some of that was expected because many residents are dropping land lines in favor of cell phones. However, she suspects the high number of non-connections was also

 the result of long-distance carriers not completing the calls, a national issue that is being studied by the Federal Communications Commission and lawmakers.

Regardless, Pope said it was a solid year for the phonathon, and that the money will provide support to a wide range of CSC programs. The total amount of dollars raised is already growing as the foundation office contacts people who were not reached by student callers. She expressed gratitude to the callers and those who had conversations with the students.

“Thanks to all who answered the call to support Chadron State College,” Pope said. “Our alumni and friends are great with our student callers during good times and bad. The students appreciate the conversations, advice and experiences that our alumni share.”