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A record breaking $33 million has been donated to Calvin for the 1998-1999 fiscal year.

“This amount more than doubles any previous year in the history of Calvin,” said Vice President of Development Bob Berkhof. “More people are giving because they are catching the vision and mission at Calvin and the exciting things that are happening.”

The money raised is comprised of gifts from individuals, corporations and foundations. Twenty million of the $33 million figure was donated by the Prince and DeVos families. Another two million dollars came in the form of gifts from the Pew Charitable Trust Foundation and the Warner-Lambert Foundation. The money is aimed toward the five-year Master Plan, which includes the construction of new buildings, curriculum changes and additional programs, explained Berkhof. The funds raised also go toward student scholarships. Each year 25 to 30 new scholarships are added, valued at about $2,500 each.

The development office sets a monetary goal every year. In past years, around $15 million was raised annually. “In latter years, we have been meeting our goals,” stated Berkhof. “Now we are meeting and exceeding our goals.”

It is the job of the development office to recruit new donors. President Byker, volunteers and development employees ask large donors for major gifts face-to-face. “It is just a matter of asking the right people for the right amount for the right project at the right time,” said Berkhof.

Calvin alumni, CRC members, parents of students and others are called by Calvin students. The Phonathon has raised over $1 million for Calvin, making it a record year for them as well. Tamara Plantinga, a freshman who has worked at the Phonathon since September, likes seeing what they have accomplished. “It’s good because we are helping to raise money for the school and scholarships,” she said. “It’s also cool to talk to the older people and alumni that are associated with Calvin.”

On July 1, the entire process of raising money begins again. “We do celebrate our successes from this year,” said Berkhof. “Calvin has been blessed through the giving of alumni and friends.”