UWRF Gift and Thrift Event

University of Wisconsin-River Falls marketing communications students recently raised $3,500 to benefit River Falls-based charity Have a Heart, Inc. at the fifth annual Gift and Thrift event.   

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.

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.  

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.  

Photo: UW-River Falls marketing communications students raised $3,500 for Have a Heart, Inc. at their Gift and Thrift event on Dec. 9.