DAHLONEGA – The University of North Georgia Athletic Department received over $71,000 in donations from 1,005 donors in its first ever Day of Giving - Together We Soar Campaign on Tuesday, November 29th. Each program within the department received generous donations from many of its supporters nationwide to help the department blow past its initial goal of 150 donors.
"We are blown away by the overwhelming support shown by Nighthawk Nation in our first ever Day of Giving!" stated Athletic Director Mary Rob Plunkett. "Each and every donation received will have a direct impact on our student-athletes and their experience here at North Georgia. We are extremely thankful for the generosity from all of the donors from around the world!"
Donations came from 32 different states and 10 different countries, with the largest donation coming in at $5,000. The men's golf team led the way in most money raised with $13,237 while the women's golf team secured the most amount of donors with 217. These metrics highlight the generosity and overwhelming support from all of Nighthawk Nation.
The department reached their original goal of 150 donors in honor of UNG's yearlong Sesquicentennial Celebration, marking 150 years of service to the region and the state by 10:22 a.m. and by reaching the goal an anonymous donor pledged to donate $5,000 towards North Georgia Athletics.
Some team initiatives and campaigns included $51 for softball's 51 straight wins, $21 for women's basketball's 21 championships, reaching 52 donors for 52 years of North Georgia tennis, $24 for 24 years of North Georgia baseball and asking for $5 as a "high-five" for men's basketball's road game against Union.
Each of North Georgia's 13 athletics programs and department support units will benefit from the funds raised on the Together We Soar campaign. Student-athletes and coaches spent the day promoting the initiative on their social media channels, calling on family and friends from home and challenging one another to hit goals as a department.
The far and wide engagement from the UNG Athletics Day of Giving has displayed a commitment to the continuation of North Georgia Athletics as an elite Division II program.
For anyone who missed this year's Day of Giving but would like to invest in the resources needed to compete for championships and build a best-in-class student-athlete experience, please visit UNGGive.org to explore ways in which you can support UNG Nighthawk Athletics.
