University of Minnesota Athletics
Gophers Wrap Up Unprecedented Thank-A-Thon
4/28/2015 12:00:00 AM | Athletics
During the past two weeks, 167 Gopher student-athletes placed more than 7,000 calls to donors as part of Gopher Athletics' 2015 Thank-A-Thon. For the first time in the event's decade-plus history, every donor on the list with a working phone number was contacted.
The collective effort of all Gopher teams and their student-athletes made this year's Thank-A-Thon the best yet. Beginning on April 14, an average of 24 student-athletes gathered at Mariucci Arena on the seven nights of the Thank-A-Thon and dialed as many donors as possible during the evening hours. While the Thank-A-Thon is designed to connect donors with student-athletes to hear firsthand how their gifts have helped these young men and women pursue their dreams and build successful futures, the experience of speaking directly with donors and saying thanks always leaves a positive impression with student-athletes as well.
"I think [the donors] are surprised to get a thank you call," said Kierra Smith, a junior who recently won the 2015 NCAA Championship in the women's 200 yard breastroke. "When they realize you're calling to thank them for giving ... and that they're talking to a student-athlete that they could be supporting, it's exciting. It's a really cool thing to do and I love being a part of it."
The Thank-A-Thon is an annual opportunity for student-athletes from all of the University's 25 programs to connect directly with Golden Gopher Fund donors and personally thank them for their generous support. Whether a donor makes a $20 gift or a $20,000 gift, their generosity has a positive impact on Gopher student-athletes.
"I think it's a great event," said Justin Barber, a senior on the men's track and field team. "I think it really helps people realize they're helping out [and that] their money's not just going to some fund. ... It really makes a big difference."
The difference Golden Gopher Fund donors make each year is significant. The athletics department is responsible for the full cost of supporting its student-athletes, which includes everything from tuition and books, to room and board, to equipment and travel, and much more. In all, those costs will add up to more than $27 million this year. Gopher Athletics is only able to provide its student-athletes with a complete collegiate experience thanks to the generous support of Golden Gopher Fund donors.
To learn more about how you can support Gopher student-athletes, contact the Golden Gopher Fund at (612) 626-4653 or visit GoldenGopherFund.com.
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