The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB Athletics, Blazer Boosters Launch 'Grand Initiative'
9/1/2011 12:00:00 AM | General
Sept. 1, 2011
Incentives and Pledge Form 
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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ----- UAB Athletics and Blazer Boosters have launched the "Grand Initiative," a membership drive to increase the donor base from 567 to 1,000 by September 30, 2012.
For the 2011-12 academic year, in-state scholarships are projected to be more than $16,000 each while out-of-state scholarships will approach $24,000, resulting in $6.2 million in scholarship costs for UAB Athletics. As these costs continue to rise, it is imperative that philanthropic revenues increase to support UAB student-athletes at the highest level.
"The Birmingham-Hoover Metropolitan area has more than one million residents, many of whom have a connection to UAB," said Coleman Barnes, Associate Athletics Director for Development. "Participating in the Grand Initiative through a Blazer Boosters membership will enhance the student-athlete experience and provide more opportunities for our teams to compete for championships."
A membership to Blazer Boosters begins at only $100 and payment plans are available. There are different programs associated with Blazer Boosters that qualify one as a member. These programs include:
• Scholarship Excellence Fund - opportunity to support UAB student-athlete scholarships with a philanthropic donation
• Blazer Club - opportunity to support UAB student-athlete scholarships with a donation that may provide priority seating for football and/or men's basketball
• Blazer Women's Athletic Society - opportunity to serve as positive role models while supporting UAB female student-athlete scholarships
• B Club - opportunity for former Blazer letterwinners to stay connected to the athletics program while supporting UAB student-athlete scholarships
• Champion Club - members provide the philanthropic leadership for the department and fully fund an in-state scholarship
There are a number of great incentives for new members and donors who make successful referrals before September 30, 2011. CLICK HERE to see a list of these incentives.
As the largest single employer in the state, UAB remains the economic engine of Alabama with an annual impact of $4.6 billion. For every dollar that is invested by the state, UAB returns $16.23.
"UAB Athletics provides quality, affordable entertainment right in the heart of the Magic City," said Barnes. "We need the community to rally behind the program and support these student-athletes, many of whom will be our future leaders. The Grand Initiative is a great way to get involved and 'Be the Difference.'"
Join the Grand Initiative today and support UAB student-athletes by calling the Blazer Boosters office at 205-996-9969 or CLICK HERE to donate online.
