Parents sponsor a Give Day challenge for a program close to their hearts

Give Day, UC Davis’ biggest annual fundraiser, will be held over Picnic Day weekend (April 19-20). The fundraising event offers us all a chance to support the things we love about our university. Gifts of any size are welcome, and “challenge gifts”—larger amounts put forth by community donors that “unlock” with a certain number of gifts of any size—ensure that your donations will have a maximum impact.

This year, UC Davis parents Nalin and Sajini Yogasundram, have generously sponsored a challenge gift to be “unlocked” for the Redwood SEEDS scholar program. The Yogasundram’s son Krishan is in his second year of the four-year program.

Redwood SEED Scholars was created by the UC Davis MIND Institute—which specializes in the research and treatment of the challenges associated with neurodevelopmental disabilities like autism and Down syndrome—and the UC Davis Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. During their four years in the program, students live in dorms, take classes and complete internships and jobs as they work toward a practical credential rather than a degree.

The program has already made a profound impact on Krishan’s life. “We could not be happier that he has found a ‘family’ on campus where he feels loved, accepted and safe,” Nalin shares. “He seems more confident about his abilities, is excelling in his classes, and loves hanging out with the other scholars. He has also had the opportunity to grow his employment skillset working on and off-campus.”

Krishan is currently an intern at the MIND Institute where he works at the front desk and is often the first person that patients and their families meet when they enter. He then escorts them to the appropriate location. The Yogasundrams believe that Krishan’s work at the institute gives patients and their families hope to see where their son or daughter can be one day with the right support.

“When we found the Redwood SEEDS program, we felt like we hit the lottery. For this program to impact more people in California like it has Krishan, it needs funding to expand,” Nalin says. “My company can match and double my donation. We encourage donors to reach out to their HR and giving departments to see if they will match their personal donation to keep this program going.”

I encourage all parents to check out the Give Day website to find the areas of campus you want to support.

Thank you for all you do as a UC Davis parent. Go Ags!

For more information about how parent giving makes a difference in students’ lives, contact Cari DuBois-Wright, Associate Director of Development in Parent Giving, at caduboiswright@ucdavis.edu, 510-388-3605, Cari can help facilitate your giving. You can visit our Parents Fund website here as well as learn more about our Family Fellows.