Feb. 17, 2010

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) is rejuvenating its fundraising activities for the school's athletic program by bringing back the Red and White Fund and adding a new initiative called "1000 HORN$."

"We want to create a new level of excitement surrounding our athletic program and believe that we can raise additional dollars to support that effort," said Athletic Director Bill Hayes. "Up until 2007, the Red and White Fund Club was the fundraising effort for athletics. We are reviving that fund and all donations to it will now be used for student-athlete scholarships."

"In an effort to provide as many options as possible for our alumni, supporters and fans, we've created the 1000 HORN$ campaign that allows donors to designate their contributions to specific WSSU athletic teams, facilities enhancement or to the general operating fund for the athletic department."

The 1000 HORN$ program is attempting to raise a minimum of $1 million a year for the athletic program. To reach that goal, the university needs 1,000 supporters to make an annual contribution of at least $1,000 each.

"We are structuring this fundraising program so that a contributor will be a member of the 1000 HORN$ group as long as the contribution to either of these two fundraising efforts totals at least $1,000," Hayes explained. "In addition to being able to split a contribution between scholarships and program support, a donor has the option of dividing any program support contribution between different teams. Again, we want our supporters to have all the flexibility possible in how they designate their financial gifts to the athletic program."

These two initiatives for athletic fundraising will replace the AMON Booster Club and membership benefits for the new programs will be comparable to the benefits previously available. Contributions will now be housed in special accounts within the WSSU Foundation.

"Winston-Salem State has a history of having a strong athletic program and that is certainly something we want to continue," Hayes said. "We also are proud of the fact that we focus on student-athletes and not just athletics. These two fundraising efforts will allow us to continue the Rams tradition."