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Fill the Hill helps UW–Madison fill its greatest needs

$511,877 raised from 3,334 gifts

UW-Madison’s Bascom Hill was transformed into a sea of pink flamingos for the 12th consecutive year as the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association (WFAA) celebrated its annual Fill the Hill fundraising event.

The beloved tradition saw plastic flamingos dotting the iconic hillside, with each bird representing a donor's gift to support the University of Wisconsin–Madison's most pressing needs. This year's campaign, which concluded at 5 p.m., engaged more than 100 campus areas and secured $511,877 through 3,334 individual gifts.

Fill the Hill on Bascom Hill Oct. 25, 2024. (Photo © Andy Manis)

"We are deeply grateful to our many UW–Madison alumni and friends for their generous contributions this year," said Betsy Popelka Massnick, Director of Annual Giving. "The return of the flamingos to Bascom Hill symbolizes not only the whimsical spirit of this event but also the crucial support it generates for the University of Wisconsin."

Since its inception, Fill the Hill has raised approximately $3.5million through more than 21,000 gifts, demonstrating the enduring commitment of the UW–Madison community to supporting educational excellence.

For more information about Fill the Hill, visit uwflamingos.com.

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