CHARLESTON, S.C. - Once again, the College of Charleston Athletics department has set a new fundraising record, bringing in over $2 million in gifts during the 2012-13 fiscal year. This amount is led by the Cougar Club Annual Fund, which recorded a new high of $985,000 in cash receipts toward athletic scholarships, up from $838,000 last year.
"This year's record-breaking performance is a credit to the generosity of our fanbase, alumni, and friends who continue to support us at greater and greater levels," CofC Director of Athletics Joe Hull said. "This level of increase, especially within our Cougar Club Annual Fund, shows genuine progress as we build towards becoming one of the nation's premier mid-major athletics programs.
"To all of our loyal donors, volunteers, advocates, coaches and staff members who contributed to this record, we are all truly appreciative. This past year has been one of the best in College of Charleston Athletics history, and I'm very pleased to see our fundraising results match the results of our teams and coaches."
Other sport-specific annual funds accounted for $550,000 in gifts received, up 15 percent. Contributions to new and existing endowment funds as well as ongoing capital projects and Legacy Seat contributions doubled to over $475,000.
"The Charleston Athletics Family stepped up again," CofC Associate Athletics Director for External Affairs Steve Stroud said. "Over the past 12 months, a number of long-time donors as well as new donors have stepped up and increased their contributions, whether it is to the Cougar Club Annual Fund or to one of our many sport-specific funds. Our donors have responded to our needs, and we are very grateful for them. As we unveil a number of future projects in the coming months, I am certain our Charleston Family will respond once again."
This year's $985,000 in Cougar Club gifts represents a 64 percent increase over the past three years.
"Cougar Club donors continue to be tremendously generous, as we've seen considerable growth across all donor levels as well as from our signature events, the John Kresse Invitational golf tournament and the Cremins Cocktail Party," said Brandon Stevens, Executive Director of the Cougar Club. "The Cougar Club staff and Board of Directors sincerely thank each Cougar fan who made this year's record level of support possible."
"Congratulations to the College of Charleston Cougar Club on the fantastic annual fund receipts for this year...close to $1 million," Cougar Club President Megan Owens said. "What a boost this will be for the student-athletes who work so hard for their sports and in the classroom! Thank you to the Cougar Club members who generously give for the benefit for those student-athletes."
To contribute to College of Charleston Athletics, please contact the Cougar Club at: (843) 953-8255.
