AU's third annual Founders Day giving event, Get Clawed to the Ball, was a success! More than 660 AU Eagles gave $114,397 and unlocked $193,377 in challenge gifts for a grand total of $307,774 raised in just 36 hours. 

Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Jack Cassell, SOC/BA '77, issued a challenge to the AU community: if 500 Eagles gave in 36 hours, he would donate $50,000 to AU. The challenge was met in a little over 28 hours. Jack was so inspired by the momentum that he offered an additional challenge: if 100 additional donors gave in three hours, he would give an additional $25,000. This bonus challenge was also met.

More than 400 of the 664 donors are alumni. Giving from current students, parents, faculty, and staff doubled over last year's event.
Gifts came from as far away as China, India, and Belgium.

You can see more about the 2017 Get Clawed to the Ball campaign at american.edu/getclawedtotheball.

Check out social media buzz from the day.