In a remarkable outpouring of generosity, donors from across the country, and even around the world, have joined together to support Normandale students. What began as one faculty member’s heartfelt message has quickly grown into one of the most inspiring fundraising moments of the year.
On January 20, Normandale Communication Instructor Suzanne White, known to millions online as @momchats, shared a video inviting her community to support the Normandale Foundation and students facing financial emergencies that threaten their ability to stay enrolled. Together with her husband’s @dadchats platforms, the couple reaches an audience of more than 6 million followers.
Their community responded immediately.
Since the video’s release in January, nearly 500 donors, many of them giving for the first time, have contributed a total of $37,026. Many of these gifts came from donors who were moved by Suzanne’s story, her dedication to students, and the real challenges faced by today’s learners.
Many of these contributions were designated to support Normandale’s Student Resource Center Emergency Grant Program, which provides grants of up to $500 to students navigating sudden hardships such as medical bills, housing insecurity, car repairs, food shortages, and other unexpected expenses. Additional gifts that were designated to the Annual Fund will help advance other priority areas across the college.
And for students, the impact is immediate and profound.
One student shared:
“The Random Acts of Kindness Grant really helped me and my family. I was able to buy things for my kids, groceries, and help with bills. It took a load off of me. I greatly appreciate the help for me and my family.”
Another described how essential the support has been:
“This support will help me cover essential expenses, including dental care, my car insurance, and rent. Having this assistance relieves significant financial stress and allows me to continue focusing on my studies and responsibilities. I am deeply grateful for this generosity and support.”
These stories represent just a glimpse of what our supporters make possible. Each gift, whether large or small, helps ensure that a temporary financial crisis does not become a barrier to a student’s education or future.
For our donor community, this moment is a powerful reminder: when we act together, students feel the difference immediately. Suzanne’s message sparked a wave of compassion, connection, and shared belief in the promise of Normandale students.
Together, we help create an environment where students can thrive, even when obstacles arise.
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