Liberty University’s annual Giving Day raised more than $11.7 million in 24 hours, setting a new milestone for the event. The community made 9,002 gifts supporting over 100 campaigns.

The campaigns span academic, athletic and spiritual programmes across the university. Staff drove around campus on decorated golf carts handing out candy and Giving Day resources, with mascot Sparky joining in.

The top-earning academic programmes were the College of Osteopathic Medicine, the School of Law, the divinity school, the School of Music and the School of Communication and the Arts.

Among more than 60 athletic programmes, the biggest recipients were women’s basketball, football, softball, women’s soccer and women’s lacrosse.

The annual event celebrates the university’s mission of training champions. Organisers said the total surpassed the previous year’s record.

The day featured celebrations across the Virginia campus. University leaders thanked donors for their generosity, and the funds will support scholarships, athletics and campus ministries.