Your direct line to making a difference for Whitworth students
We reached our goal of $210,000! The Phonathon team would like to thank all of our donors, especially our first-time donors! You make our education possible.
We still have a week left in our annual phonathon, so if you see our number (509.777.3291) in your caller I.D., we hope you'll answer! If your number has changed recently, please contact us.
Who am I speaking to during my phonathon call?
Calling for the Whitworth Phonathon is an on-campus job, so all callers are current Whitworth students, from all academic years and programs. To get to know them a bit better, take a look at our "Meet the Callers" page.
Why does the phonathon exist?
The purpose of the phonathon is twofold. First, we hope to stay in touch with our alumni by ensuring that we have their most current contact information and by keeping them informed about campus development and events. Second, we fund-raise for the Whitworth Fund, an unrestricted fund that is vital to the success of Whitworth. The Whitworth Fund supports the areas of greatest need on campus, which means that it's the most flexible resource Whitworth has in terms of funding.
How long will my call last?
Your call will last as long as you want it to. Most calls last between three and five minutes, but we really love talking to alumni, parents and friends, so if you are interested in swapping Whitworth stories with your caller, it may last longer. If time is an issue for you, feel free to let your caller know that you have just a few moments; he or she will respect your time constraints.
Why am I called so often?
We use an automated dialer system, which means that each time we fail to reach you (or you tell us you're not available at the moment), your phone number goes right back into the system, ensuring that you will receive another call within the next few days. The best way to avoid this is simply to answer your phone and take three to five minutes to complete your phonathon call. Once you've given us a definite answer as to whether or not you'd like to give, you will be removed from this year's calling list.
When I answered my phone, no one was there. What happened?
Our automatic dialer is set to wait for a certain number of rings before moving on to the next call, so when you pick up the phone and no one is there, we've probably just missed you. We apologize for this inconvenience, and we will try to reach you again soon.
I am unable to give to Whitworth this year. How can I avoid being called?
First, please know that we would truly appreciate a gift of any amount – don't feel embarrassed to make what you might consider to be a small gift. Each year, longtime Whitworth philosophy professor Forrest Baird encourages our graduating seniors to give the amount that it costs to buy a pizza. Trust us: It really does make a difference.
If you are truly unable to give, please allow our caller to update your contact information so that we can avoid sending Whitworth publications to the wrong place; then let the caller know that you won't be able to make a gift this year. We won't call you again until the following academic year.
Other helpful hints:
Since you know a phonathon call is on its way, it would be helpful for you to consider whether/how much you'd like to give prior to your call. This allows you to budget accordingly, and it simplifies your call when it comes.
Please consider giving by credit or debit card. These gifts are extremely helpful for us, because we can put that money to use right away. Paying by credit card also simplifies things for you, because we can take care of the entire transaction over the phone, and you won't have to remember to send a check. If you're concerned about paying the full gift amount at once, we are more than happy to set up monthly payments. We'd greatly appreciate it if you would consider making a credit/debit card gift this year.
This year the Whitworth Phonathon's main goal is to raise more than $210,000 in unrestricted gifts for The Whitworth Fund. We couldn't be more grateful for the generous support we receive from Whitworth donors like you on an annual basis, and we're excited to see how far that support can take us this year!
So far, thanks to our faithful donors, the Whitworth Phonathon has brought in more than $215,000, which is incredible! Given the challenging economic climate of the past few years, we are especially grateful to all of the alumni, parents, grandparents, and friends who continue to help us stay strong and further the mission of Whitworth University. We look forward to hearing from you!
Please note that the application form requires a current résumé. Minimum qualifications include verbal and written mastery of the English language, excellent communications skills, a positive attitude about Whitworth, and a strong sense of professionalism in representing the university. Applicants must be current Whitworth students.
The Whitworth Phonathon team hires new callers at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters and occasionally throughout the year. To find out whether there are currently any calling positions open, please contact Teresa Norlin at tnorlin@whitworth.edu.
These gifted and committed callers have earned entry into the George F. Whitworth Phonathon Honor Society by raising significant amounts of money for The Whitworth Fund during their time working at the phonathon.
Platinum -$50,000:
Audrey Farley
Anthony Calabro
Gold -$30,000:
Mary Rupert
Margaret Shipe
Silver - $20,000:
Flannery Fox
Whitney McClure
Patty Means
Amelia Mills
Bronze - $10,000:
Elena Barnes
Jennie Browse
Sarah DeLong
Katie Harriman
Addam Janke
Ana Quiring
Isabel Nelson
Caleb Williams
These businesses have donated gift certificates and other prizes to be used as incentives for phonathon callers, many of them several years in a row. We encourage you to support these generous local businesses.
