Gary Fund campaign aiming for $685,000
April 13, 2001
KALAMAZOO -- The 2001 Mike Gary Athletic Fund Drive is set to begin with the goal of raising $685,000 -- more than $30,000 higher than last year's record-setting total of $652,000.
In 2000, the fund-raising efforts surpassed the group's goal of $650,000. A telephone campaign will kick off the drive, with a group of approximately 40 volunteers soliciting phone contributions from April 16 through May 10. The drive, now in its 47th year, will officially close for donations on June 30.
"The tremendous results we have had throughout the existence of the drive have come as a direct result of the dedication of our volunteers. They have provided the efforts needed to make the campaign successful," said Jerry George, director of development for athletics. "We have also benefited from the willingness of the community to become involved."
Chairing this season's drive is Gitta Kudlicki, director of sales at the Kalamazoo County Convention & Visitors Bureau. Kudlicki served as chair elect on last year's drive. Chair elect for the upcoming 2001 campaign is Jon M. Dixon, vice president of Bronson Healthcare Group.
Volunteer team captains include Jim McIntyre, Lou White, Gary Gunia, Jim Everts, Jim Lamborn, Larry Lueth and Fred Sitkins.
For more information about donations or volunteer activities, contact Jerry George at (616) 387-3057 or <jerry.george@wmich.edu>.
Media contact: Scott Kuykendall, 616 387-4138, scott kuykendall@wmich.edu