The first “We Heart UNMC” socks campaign ends on Valentine’s Day today, providing contributors the opportunity to show UNMC students some love with support for scholarships.
The online giving effort ran Feb. 8 through 14 to encourage participants to make a gift of $60 to support UNMC Student Scholarships. In return, donors will receive a limited-edition pair of UNMC socks. Gifts of any amount can be made.
Kristine Gerber of Omaha participated in the giving event. She is the mother of third-year medical student Drew Gerber, who received a scholarship award that was the “deciding factor” in attending UNMC.
“We have learned ,through Drew, the incredible effort it takes to get into medical school and then once in, the amount of time and pressure to do well,” Kristine Gerber said. “It is nearly impossible to have a job in medical school, and many of these students, like ours, are living on student loans.
“He has had so many wonderful opportunities to learn and grow while attending UNMC, and, as parents, we have loved having him back in Omaha. We are so thankful for the opportunities donors have given to our son and his classmates.”
“We Heart UNMC” participants can give and follow the event’s progress and conclusion online.
The socks, designed with red polka dots and the UNMC shield logo, were designed exclusively for this event. Due to production time, they will be sent within four to six weeks.