By: Hannah Moore

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV) — The Annual Name a Squirrel Campaign is back for a second year, raising money for student success initiatives throughout February.

Maple, a squirrel who lives on the Old Main Lawn, serves as the face of the campaign and encourages students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends to donate to any university program of their choice. Organizers introduced the fundraiser as a fun, unique way to support programs that benefit University of Arkansas students.

“We wanted to do something different,” Associate Director of Annual Giving Stacy Glover said. “Last year, we introduced it as a fun, whimsical way to hold a fundraiser.”

Each gift is $18.71, honoring the university’s founding year. Donors can name a squirrel and receive a personalized certificate. Participants may name up to six squirrels, with each donation supporting scholarships, research or other campus needs.

“We raised just under $10,000 last year through the campaign,” Glover said. “This year, we wanted to make it a little bigger and a little better.”

This year, the fundraiser includes an incentive, a Maple plush toy for donors who give $100. Each $100 donation allows participants to name six squirrels.

“We announced a little bit of an incentive this year, which is Maple, the squirrel, in a plush if you give $100,” Glove said. “Anyone who wants to give a gift can go to the drop down on our website and support the college or unit they love.”

The fundraiser has nine days remaining and has raised more than $11,000 for university initiatives. The final day to donate is Feb. 28.