MADISON, Wis. — The beloved pink plastic flamingos will return to Bascom Hill next week for UW-Madison’s 14th annual Fill the Hill fundraiser.
The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association, which hosts the event, said the event is part of the university’s day-of-giving campaign.
The flamingo tradition dates to 1979, when members of the Pail and Shovel student party planted more than 1,000 plastic birds on Bascom Hill as a prank. The display became a campus icon associated with Badger pride and Homecoming Week.
Each gift of $5 or more adds a flamingo to the growing flock on the hill.
Donors who give $100 or more will receive a mini flamingo. Gifts of $350 or more include both a mini flamingo and a full-size bird. After making a gift, participants also may plant their own flamingos on Bascom Hill.
Since the fundraiser began, donors have made more than 25,000 gifts and raised nearly $5 million.
Last year, donors set a record by raising $784,687 through 4,610 individual gifts, officials said.
The call for donations begins at 5 p.m. Thursday. Flamingos will begin appearing on Bascom Hill at 5 a.m. Friday, and the event will conclude at 5 p.m. that day.
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