TCU is using purple bows – some big enough to sit on a Lexus – to recognize its donors on Thursday, National Philanthropy Day.

“All of the bows will highlight people and places that are at TCU in part because of TCU donors,” said Harmonie Farrow, director of student and young alumni programs head of the project.

Academic buildings will be decorated with three-foot-wide bows made by King Size Bows, the company that makes car bows for Lexus. Dormitories will receive smaller 16-inch bows. Small purple gift bows will be distributed to students who receive TCU donor-funded financial aid and to endowed faculty members. Student donors will receive special pins.

About 80 percent of students benefit from financial aid, and last year, donors contributed nearly $29 million for scholarships, according to a recent email from Chancellor Victor Boschini regarding a tuition increase.

Farrow said she wanted to create a visual representation of the impact donors have had on campus.

Banners said the bows, which will hang from the Brown-Lupton University Union, signify and encourage student participation in philanthropy.

National Philanthropy Day was established in 1986 by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). It “recognizes the profound impact that philanthropy has on the fabric of society,” according to the AFP website.

“This is the first year we’ve really encouraged other organizations to get involved and expanded the marketing and messaging externally,” said AFP Vice President of Public Affairs Michael Nilsen.

This is TCU’s first year participating in the holiday, and organizers hope to raise awareness through the use of social media.

“We are encouraging students to get involved by taking pictures of themselves or bows they see around campus using #TCUpurplebows,” Farrow said. “We are hoping that this added element will bring more awareness to philanthropy among our students.”

Students who post on social media sites will be entered into a drawing to win several prizes including a Nike+ Fuelband, a $100 TCU Bookstore gift card, an Apple TV and a football signed by head football coach Gary Patterson.

Photos and videos must be submitted between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 14 to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with #TCUpurplebows for a chance to win.