The University of Alabama at Birmingham announced today that a second key fundraising milestone was exceeded in the Department of Athletics’ Finish the Drive campaign.
Launched to secure the $17.2 million pledged in May by a broad base of supporters that made the return of UAB football, bowling and rifle possible, Finish the Drive outlines milestones to support timely implementation of the Department of Athletics’ strategic plan.
More than $5.2 million in pledges have been paid, which exceeds the $4.5 million Jan. 15 goal. UAB Director of Athletics Mark Ingram says the message this sends is as important to the competitive future of Blazer Athletics as the funds themselves.
“We developed an aggressive strategic plan that will make UAB Athletics more competitive than ever, and the momentum generated by this unprecedented level of giving is truly incredible,” Ingram said. “These funds support the plans, investments and commitments that are moving us toward competitive excellence across the board, and being ahead of schedule energizes everyone who will play a role in our success, from current and future student-athletes and coaches to supporters throughout Birmingham and beyond.”
The next Finish the Drive milestone is $8 million by Sept. 1, 2016. After that, the campaign plans to secure at least $3 million a year until reaching the full $17.2 million by late 2019. These milestones exist to meet cash flow needs to maintain a balanced budget. Donations to Blazer Boosters, the fundraising arm of UAB Athletics, exceeded $5 million in 2015 — a record achievement.
“The surge of support for UAB Athletics both on and off campus is nothing short of transformational, and we could not be more grateful to everyone who has played a role in this success story,” said UAB President Ray L. Watts. “There is still a lot of work to be done, but our Athletic Department and Development staff, as well as Blazer fans and other supporters, deserve credit for an inspiring effort to date.”
Learn more about Blazer Boosters and its initiatives at BlazerBoosters.com, and follow progress of the Finish the Drive campaign at uab.edu/finishthedrive.