The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB Athletics To Launch Blazer Boosters
4/14/2009 12:00:00 AM | General
April 14, 2009
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ----- The fundraising arm of the UAB Athletic Department has undergone a restructuring and rebranding initiative and will now be known as Blazer Boosters. The launch of Blazer Boosters will provide many additional services to UAB athletics supporters and increase communication lines between the department and donors.
Shannon James Ealy, UAB Senior Associate Athletics Director, says "it is our hope that the formation of Blazer Boosters will create synergy and increase awareness of UAB Athletics fundraising initiatives while improving our overall service to our stakeholders."
Under the direction of Ealy, along with Assistant AD for Development Jake Lemon, Director of Sales Brad Hardekopf and Director of Donor Relations Carlin Foster, the Blazer Boosters Office serves as the fundraising arm for the UAB Division of Intercollegiate Athletics. The office generates funding for student-athlete scholarships, capital projects, facility improvements, enhancements of sports programs and general operating budget.
Among the benefits that the restructuring will provide will be a more comprehensive and coordinated strategy to athletics fundraising, as well as increased contact with donors to better foster relationships.
In addition, there will be a larger variety of programs offered to Blazer fans, monthly e-newsletters sent to all supporters of UAB Athletics, and a greater ability for comprehensive donor records and databases.
"We are excited about the restructuring and rebranding of UAB athletics development to Blazer Boosters," said Ealy. "We are now positioned to take our athletic fundraising to new levels with an organized and systematic approach with the emphasis on providing exceptional service and developing genuine relationships with our donors. This is the first step to increase our commitments and resources to UAB Athletics and produce a nationally-known athletic program."
As part of the rebranding initiative, a newly created web site -- www.BlazerBoosters.com -- has been launched to help better educate and communicate the various opportunities to support UAB Athletics.
The comprehensive web site features the latest information about Blazer Boosters, donor programs, methods of giving, frequently asked questions, staff bios, benefits brochure and video.
Blazer Boosters expects to announce a transition in the coming weeks to an upgraded version of its current donor development software that will allow fans, season ticket holders and donors to make new pledges and donations online as well as renew scholarship requirements for priority seating for football and men's basketball.
