How does the Leave Your Stamp Challenge e-paddle raise work?

The Leave Your Stamp Challenge electronic paddle raise is a moment during the gala where attendees have the opportunity to make direct contributions to support need-based financial aid. Because only a small portion of ticket revenue goes toward our fundraising goal, the success of the Leave Your Stamp Challenge is critically important. It's a powerful and impactful way to support our Lab community, and we want you to feel confident and prepared.

Here are a few key points to know before the Leave Your Stamp Challenge portion of the evening:

Logistics

Upon checking in at Connections, guests will be sent a welcome text from our software. This link is connected to your already established account.

When the Leave Your Stamp Challenge portion of the evening begins, guests simply click on your personalized text link and get ready to donate! The emcee/auctioneer will introduce each donation level; at the appropriate time, guests click on their preferred donation amount and submit their gift. Part of the fun of the Leave Your Stamp Challenge is seeing our total rise with each contribution toward our goal! Numbers, rather than names, are assigned at random to each guest/household so that your donation remains anonymous.

Levels of Giving

We will have various contribution levels, allowing you to choose an amount that aligns with your capacity to give and your generosity. Every contribution, regardless of size, makes a meaningful difference.

Payment Process

Upon checking into the event, you will be asked to present a credit card specifically

for the Leave Your Stamp Challenge. We may already have a credit card number associated with your ticket purchase on file, in which case nothing more is required. If you wish to change your credit card, you can do that at check-in. If guests prefer to give by a different method, please let us know at registration.

Tax Deductibility

Your Leave Your Stamp Challenge donation is tax-deductible per IRS guidelines. We will send you a document for your records approximately 30-45 days after the event.

If you have any questions before the event, please don't hesitate to reach out to our team at giving@ucls.uchicago.edu.

Thank you for supporting student financial aid at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools.