On this episode of Talking Tactics, host Day chats with Stormie Harless and Reggie Hayes of Ball State University about one of the quirkiest—and most successful—Giving Day campaigns we've ever seen: letting donors name a goose. Yes, you read that right. This creative, low-cost tactic more than tripled gifts to the Ball State Fund, turning a fun gimmick into a strategic fundraising win. Learn how a "goose gang," Canva templates, and clever messaging made all the difference—and why sometimes a little silliness can have serious results.
On this episode of Talking Tactics, host Day chats with Stormie Harless and Reggie Hayes of Ball State University about one of the quirkiest—and most successful—Giving Day campaigns we've ever seen: letting donors name a goose. Yes, you read that right. This creative, low-cost tactic more than tripled gifts to the Ball State Fund, turning a fun gimmick into a strategic fundraising win. Learn how a "goose gang," Canva templates, and clever messaging made all the difference—and why sometimes a little silliness can have serious results.
Guest Names:
Stormie Harless, Senior Director of Annual Giving & Foundation Communications, Ball State University
Reggie Hayes, Assistant Director of Digital Engagement, Ball State University
Guest Socials:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stormieharless/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/reggiehayes/
Guest Bios: Stormie Harless has been at Ball State for over eight years and currently serves as the Senior Director of Annual Giving & Foundation Communications. She leads the university’s digital and annual giving teams, managing everything from web and social to blogs, emails, and fundraising campaigns.
Reggie Hayes graduated from Ball State University in 2019 and has worked on Stormie’s digital team at the Foundation for over 2 years as Assistant Director of Digital Engagement. The bulk of his responsibilities with the Foundation include creating content for the Ball State Alumni Association and Ball State University Foundation socials, newsletters, blog posts, and other external communication pieces.