The Northwestern State family and the Natchitoches community responded to NSU Athletics’ call for support this week as donors gave nearly $24,000 on #GivingTuesday.
One-hundred supporters donated to the campaign on the national day of giving which follows Black Friday and Cyber Monday, totaling $23,529.
It’s the third straight #GivingTuesday that NSU Athletics has topped $20,000, which included a record of nearly in $28,000 in an impromptu #GivingTuesday in May as non-profit organizations organized without the ability to host normal fundraisers because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s been a challenging year for everyone, yet our Demon family stepped up once again and showed their support for the school and the athletic program that we all hold so dear to our hearts,” said Dr. Haley Taitano, NSU deputy athletic director. “I want to personally thank all who donated, as well as our Demons Unlimited Foundation Board members for their assistance and support of this year’s event.”
The proceeds benefit the Demons Unlimited Foundation, which is a 501c3 non-profit entity supporting NSU Athletics through scholarship funding for all 14 sports, facility enhancement, student-athlete recruiting efforts and coach retention performance bonuses among other methods.
The DUF is tasked with generating more than $1 million annually to assist the department and individual sports in underwriting annual operating expenses and program enhancements.
“On behalf of the athletic department’s coaches and staff, I graciously acknowledge all who contributed to Giving Tuesday,” said Greg Burke, NSU Director of Athletics. “It is reassuring and also reinforces the value and direction of the NSU athletic program to receive this generous level of support for a one-day initiative.
“Demons Unlimited Foundation dollars are important more now than ever, especially when one considers that contributions to the DUF ensures that all 14 NSU sports continue having the ability to offer the full complement of scholarships allowed by the NCAA. While those scholarships certainly enhance competitiveness, more importantly they provide life-changing educational opportunities for more than 300 student-athletes every year.”
The foundation will shift its focus toward year-end giving (most gifts are tax deductible) and renewing and adding corporate sponsorships before barreling into the last half of the fiscal year. For more information on the DUF, visit nsudemons.com/unlimited.
Other ways to support the DUF include starting or contributing to an endowed scholarship. Former NSU student-athletes can also join the N-Club at nsudemons.com/nclub.
For more information, contact Taitano at blounth@nsula.edu or 318-357-4278.