Athletic Foundation Announces True Blue 120
12/15/2016 9:09:00 AM | Baseball, Track & Field/XC, Football, Men's Golf, Men's Basketball, Men's Soccer, Men's Tennis, Softball, Swimming and Diving, Women's Basketball, Women's Soccer, Women's Tennis, Volleyball, Women's Rifle, Athletic Foundation, Ticketing, Women's Golf, Student-Athlete Services
Help build the Eagles’ nest and help a student succeed in life.
STATESBORO, Ga - The Georgia Southern University Athletic Foundation has announced their new fundraising campaign, True Blue 120, in efforts to promote the Eagle Fund, the Foundation's annual fund. The purpose of True Blue 120 is to encourage current members to continue or increase their financial support and to invite new alumni and fans to invest in the future of student-athletes by donating a minimum of $120 a year.
The Department of Athletics at Georgia Southern University provides nearly 400 student-athletes who play in one of their 17 Division I varsity programs with the opportunity to earn a college education, but also the opportunity to grow as an individual, experience different cultures, inspire young children, give back to the community and positively represent the University for a lifetime. Like all students at Georgia Southern University, athletics supports student-athletes' academic success by providing state-of-the-art technology, tutoring and access to academic advisors.
Over 80,000 successful alumni represent Georgia Southern University across the world. On the contrary, only 2,653 donors give to the Eagle Fund. True Blue 120 also aims to educate current and future donors about giving options within the Athletic Foundation and how each fund is allocated. It will introduce Georgia Southern's student-athletes, tell their stories and celebrate their successes while illustrating how donations to the Eagle Fund have impacted their lives. The purpose is to re-engage Eagle Nation and provide individuals and organizations an opportunity to help future student-athletes earn an education at Georgia Southern University.
"There is no doubt that Georgia Southern has a passionate fan base when it comes to winning, and we are grateful for that." said Kevin Bostian, Senior Associate Athletic Director/Executive Director of the Athletic Foundation. "But we need everyone to be just as passionate about supporting our student-athletes' education."
Contributions to True Blue 120 will be designated to the Foundation's Eagle Fund, which is an unrestricted account. The Eagle Fund helps Athletics' offset the $4,660,301 they must pay the University in student-athlete scholarships, which covers tuition and other fees associated with college expenses. Furthermore, as the Eagle Fund grows, so will the ability to designate funds to other department opportunities.
The Eagle Fund successfully generated nearly $1,457,973 during the 2015-16 fiscal year, which was a 55% increase from the 2013-14 fiscal year. While the growth is impressive, it's still not enough to cover the cost of Georgia Southern student-athletes. Over the next five years, the Foundation needs to grow active Eagle Fund members and increase the Eagle Fund by an additional $1.5 million. Currently, Georgia Southern ranks 5th in the Sun Belt Conference in the amount of annual fund dollars raised for athletics scholarships with Appalachian State raising more than $3 million. Those resources give Appalachian State the ability to provide more educational opportunities, in turn giving their athletic program an overall advantage.
Impact a student by giving them the opportunity to earn a college education.
To donate to True Blue 120 and become a member of the Eagle Fund, visit GSEagles.com/TrueBlue120.
All contributions of $120 or more to the Eagle Fund, including True Blue 120, receive member benefits that vary depending on the amount of the donation.
Current Eagle Fund members can help by giving 110% of their current donation, or giving the gift of an Eagle Fund membership and referring future Eagle Fund members.
QUESTIONS?
Contact the Athletic Foundation at 1 (800) GSU - WINS or email AthleticFoundation@GeorgiaSouthern.edu.
The Georgia Southern University Athletic Foundation's primary goal is to provide our student-athletes with the opportunity to compete for a championship ring and earn a college education while developing them as future leaders in their respective communities.
The mission of the Georgia Southern University Athletic Foundation, Inc. is to provide private financial support for athletic scholarships, facilities and staff enhancement for the Athletic Department of Georgia Southern University. All of the activities of the Athletic Foundation are conducted with the highest regard for academic and athletic excellence and within the guidelines established by the University System of Georgia Board of Regents, conference affiliations and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
