On Friday, Oct. 23, a celebration will be held for the 45th anniversary of the Found Money Fund at the Vandal Store from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
The Found Money Fund of Idaho (FMFI), established in 1981 by Terry Armstrong, a late University of Idaho faculty member and executive assistant to President Richard Gibb, offers the community a chance to donate loose change and ‘found money’ to help support future Vandals. Since its founding, all investment earnings have continued to be reinvested for student benefit.
According to Marie Fabricus-Duncan, director of annual giving for the foundation, the proceeds invested by the UI Foundation and the fund’s current balance is more than $770,000.
The celebration will be an opportunity for guests to donate to the fund, as well as meet three of its most prominent supporters: co-founder and former staff member of the president’s office Carol (Yenni) Wilson, former Dean of Students Bruce Pitman and retired journalism professor Kenton Bird.
The three will share stories of founder Armstrong and the history of the fund, whose proceeds will begin to be distributed in 2089, on the university’s bicentennial.
“The Found Money Fund proves that even the smallest gifts can make a lasting difference—every penny, every dollar, and every act of giving helps create opportunities for Vandals today and for generations to come,” Duncan said in a press release.
To make a gift to the fund, attend Friday’s celebration or visit: https://giving.uidaho.edu/campaigns/terry-armstrong-found-money-fund-of-idaho-fmfi-2.
