PELLA — Central College’s community of alumni, parents and friends rallied to set a new fundraising record during its annual 48-Hour Challenge, raising $181,723 to support the Journey Scholarship Fund. The final tally topped the previous record for the two-day drive, which kicks off the academic year with a surge of philanthropic support.

The energy of the campaign was fueled by a spirited competition between graduating classes to see which could attract the most donors — the Class of 1973 won. A special appeal to first-time givers helped secure a total of 260 donors supporting student scholarships, including a significant number of new contributors to the college.

“Our Central community passionately rallies behind the mission to make a Central education affordable, and they demonstrate that commitment with their incredible generosity,” says Sunny Gonzales Eighmy ’99, vice president for advancement. “We are so grateful to every person and business who stepped forward to show our students how much we believe in them and their future.”

The funds raised directly support the Journey Scholarship, which provides a $1,000 scholarship to every student at Central. The 48-Hour Challenge is a key part of the college’s annual goal to raise $1.7 million for the fund.