A Penny Saved...

In 1981, a man named Larry Armstrong was on his way to work at the University of Idaho as the executive assistant to the college president.  Outside of a sorority house, he saw three pennies on the ground.

At that time, the University of Idaho (in addition to other campuses nation-wide) was suffering from budget cuts and a shrinking endowment.  Larry decided to pick up the pennies and see how much he could save for the University of Idaho.  After a few years, he and his department had found and saved $44.  They jokingly decided to donate it to the school under the name "Found Money Fund of Idaho."

Word got out, and the fund grew bigger.  Idaho alumni began mailing in their found pennies, quarters, and dollars into the fund.  Armstrong was even invited to a television show in LA in which he brought in $2,100 for the college.

As of last count, the fund is now well over $100,000.  Who knew that a few pennies and a little inspiration could go that far?  You can find out more about the Found Money Fund here.

Blogged by Katie Konrad, Director, Collegewise - Northwest