The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Blazer Boosters Achieve Another Record Giving Year
1/5/2017 12:00:00 AM | Blazer Boosters
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The UAB Department of Athletics announced today that for the second consecutive year, donations received in the 2016 year surpassed $5 million.
As of December 31, 2016, UAB Athletics has again experienced a record fundraising year with cash gifts of all sizes combining for a 2016 calendar year total reaching $5.512 million.
Annual student-athlete scholarship support added up to more than $1.359 million, gifts designated towards capital projects were $1.579 million, additional operational gifts including sport gifts accounted for $203,000 and support for Football, Bowling and Rifle surpassed $2.371 million in philanthropy during the 2016 year.
"This past year was an enormous success, and exciting things are happening because of the generosity of the Birmingham community," said Hatton Smith, Chair of the UAB Athletics Campaign Committee. "The 2017 year will again be filled with victory for UAB and Birmingham."
Momentum is continuing in support designated for UAB Football. In 2016, donors pledged over $20 million to the UAB Football Operations Center. As part of the facility project, Legacy Community Federal Credit Union committed $4.2 million - the largest facility naming sponsorship in UAB Athletics history - in support of Legacy Pavilion.
"The 2016 giving year was another incredible statement of generosity and commitment by our donors," said Brad Hardekopf, UAB Associate Athletics Director for Development. "The UAB and Birmingham communities continue to show just how dedicated they are to the university and Blazer Athletics."
With more than $40 million pledged in additional resources to support Blazer Athletics since the start of the 2015 giving year, the recently formed UAB Athletics Foundation continues with its charge to build loyalty and the philanthropic support necessary to develop elite athletics programs. The 2017 giving year began January 1 and will continue through the calendar year on December 31, 2017.
"Blazer Boosters members invest in the enhancement of the student-athlete experience, and philanthropy provides the margin of excellence necessary that UAB student-athletes deserve. We are so thankful to our loyal fans for their support," said UAB Director of Athletics, Mark Ingram.
Blazer Boosters are alumni and friends of UAB who contribute to annual scholarship programs, capital projects, sport gift accounts and the football, bowling and rifle support fund. For more information about Blazer Boosters and its initiatives, visit BlazerBoosters.com or call (205) 996-9969.
