Today, July 17, Del Mar College (DMC), the Del Mar College Foundation, Inc. and Eugene Bouligny announced the local businessman’s second and largest fundraising challenge. The College and Foundation must raise $2.6 million by Dec. 31 to receive a $2 million gift of cash and assets from the philanthropist.

A man of few words but one with a big heart, Bouligny said, “Money. You can’t take it with you. You have to spread it around to make things grow.” His remarks touched on the current cost of higher education and the need to assist students through scholarships.

Last year, the DMC Foundation provided scholarships to 1,104 students totaling $987,992. 

Foundation Board of Trustees President Richard Hatch responded to the challenge, “To raise $2.6 million that will be matched by Mr. Bouligny’s $2 million represents the largest single initiative ever tackled by the Del Mar Foundation. Mr. Bouligny’s generous offer is one we should meet, and we will meet!”   

The Foundation already has raised $1.7 million in current donations and pledges toward Bouligny’s challenge. Among major gifts already given and announced today are:

• $750,000 in Type A funds from the City of Corpus Christi for simulators to teach truck driving training,

• $53,000 from Flint Hills Resources for engineering scholarships,

• $50,000 from Ainsworth Trucking (David Ainsworth),

• $50,000 from Orion Drilling (Wayne Squires),

• $25,000 from George Finley and CC Distributing for scholarships,

• $20,000 from the Behmann Brothers Foundation for scholarships,

• $14,250 from the Blanche Davis Moore Foundation for the College’s Center for Early Learning operations,

• $12,500 from CITGO,

• $11,000 from Scott Electric for scholarships,

• $10,000 from Dollar General, and

• $100,000 from pledged donors who wish to remain unnamed at this time.

In December 2010, Bouligny challenged the College and Foundation to raise $1 million by Sept. 30, 2011, to receive a matching gift of $1 million. The Foundation exceeded his goal and raised $1.6 million. DMC and the Foundation recognized Bouligny’s $1 million gift during the “Come Home to Del Mar College” musical event featuring singer Dionne Warwick on Oct. 1, 2011. 

“Currently, we have well over 200 donors who have given gifts ranging from $5 to tens of thousands of dollars to help meet this new challenge,” said Mary McQueen, Executive Director of Development at the College. “Every little bit counts. Whether it’s a $5 donation or thousands of dollars, it all makes a difference.”

For more information about making a contribution to the Del Mar College Foundation, call 361-698-1317, email foundation@delmar.edu or go online at www.delmar.edu/foundation/. 

IN THE PHOTO: Eugene Bouligny (right) announces his latest challenge to Del Mar College and the DMC Foundation as College President Dr. Mark Escamilla listens. The College and Foundation have been challenged to raise $2.6 million by Dec. 31 for a matching gift of $2 million by Bouligny.