Students raise money for local charity with fifth annual Gift and Thrift event
Dec. 17, 2025 – University of Wisconsin-River Falls marketing communications students raised $3,500 to benefit River Falls-based charity Have a Heart, Inc. at the fifth annual Gift and Thrift event on Dec. 9.
The event featured a thrift sale of gently used clothing and household items, a silent auction and pictures with Santa. Students in the event planning class managed the entire event – from the beginning stages of planning through the distribution of donations after the fundraiser. "Planning the Gift and Thrift event was an exciting, unique and innovative team-working experience which helped us form practical skills that will easily be transferable into our own future career ambitions within the marketing and communication fields!" said Sarah Doeksen, a sophomore marketing communications major from Stillwater, Minn.
Students distributed remaining merchandise donations, valued at over $6,300, to several regional thrift stores. Despite the evening’s poor weather, the event saw a total of 558 visitors throughout the day.
Have a Heart Program Director Krista Russel was pleased with the students' efforts.
"We are so thankful to the Gift and Thrift team for choosing to support Have a Heart,” Russel said. “Seeing UWRF students take the time to give back and make a real impact for adults with disabilities in our community truly means so much to us."
2025 marks the 15th year UWRF marketing communications students have presented a fundraising event on behalf of a charity client. Since 2011, student-managed events have raised nearly $85,000 in cash and merchandise donations to local charities.
The event was sponsored and supported by Brian Sorgatz Construction LLC, Milwaukee Burger, Social Indoor, True Service Plumbing, First National Bank, Best Maid Cookie Company, RF Nutrition, Westconsin Credit Union, the Green Bay Packers and Best Dressed Vintage.
Photo: UW-River Falls marketing communications students raised $3,500 for Have a Heart, Inc. at their Gift and Thrift event on Dec. 9.