The Owls Fund Posts Record-Breaking Year
KENNESAW, Ga. — The Kennesaw State Department of Athletics and The Owls Fund once again had a record-breaking fundraising year in 2016-17, setting a new standard by surpassing the one-million-dollar mark in donations and gifts for the second consecutive year.
The Owls Fund raises money to offset the costs of student-athlete scholarships, a financial burden of $4.08 million to the department. By raising funds from private donations, the financial impact directly enhances the lives of over 350 KSU student-athletes. This in turn provides greater opportunities for the success of our student-athletes in the classroom, in competition and life after graduation.
“Yet again, we are humbled by the generosity of our donors,” said Erin Wissing, assistant athletics director for development. “Being part of our growth five years in a row is something our Owls Fund members should be proud of – I am certainly proud. Everything we do is to advance the opportunities for our student-athletes and we are able to do that in a big way because of our donors.”
The total donations to The Owls Fund for the 2016-17 academic year were $843,705, which surpassed The Fund’s goal of $800,000 and represented an increase of nearly 20% from last year’s total. It is a remarkable 999% increase from what was raised following the 2011-12 season, when The Owls Fund was established.
“Our donors have embraced our student-athletes with their unbelievable generosity,” said Bobby Lindsey, director of annual giving. “It is because of our donors that we can continue to provide and improve on the world-class experience Kennesaw State student-athletes deserve during their time on campus. I’m grateful to have played a role on the Development Team and proud of all that we have accomplished since establishing The Owls Fund in 2012. It’s going to be an amazing 2018 and I am excited about the future.”
Not only are donations increasing, but so are The Owls Fund total gifts (includes sport/program restricted giving for FY17) up to $1.1 million – a new record at Kennesaw State. Over 1,000 donors have given to Kennesaw State for three consecutive years, dating back to 2014-15.
When The Owls Fund was established in 2011-12, there were 23 donors contributing approximately $15,000.
Should you have any questions or would like to learn more about The Owls Fund, please visit KSUOwls.com/TheOwlsFund, or by contacting us at 470-578-6995 or theowlsfund@kennesaw.edu. You can also follow The Owls Fund on Twitter @TheOwlsFund.
Source: ksuowlssports.com
Link: The Owls Fund Posts Record-Breaking Year