No the gift can't be left unreported by the giver, because that is an attempt to subvert the requirement to file Form 709, a gift tax return. The IRS will look at the substance of the transaction (gifting you $28,000) rather than the form of the transaction. Remember that if someone gifts you more than $14,000, they do not and you do not owe tax at that time - this just reduces the exemption from federal estate taxes from its current amount of about $5.5 million.
