ABILENE – Abilene Christian University Athletics celebrated record-smashing numbers at its annual ACU Gives fundraiser campaign, it was announced Wednesday.
Thanks to the generosity of ACU donors, the two-day event gathered 876 gifts and $371,387, blowing away last year's 772 gifts and $260,998 – a 42 percent increase.
"I am incredibly grateful to everyone that contributed to our third consecutive record-setting ACU Gives campaign in both overall participation and dollars raised," said ACU Vice President for Athletics Zack Lassiter. "The generosity that the ACU community continues to show our athletic department is so encouraging to our student-athletes and coaches. It's yet another indicator of the positive momentum and trajectory of ACU Athletics."
Men's basketball led the teams with $70,249 raised with men's tennis ($48,897) and football ($41,554) also eclipsing the $40,000 mark.
"Former university president Dr. Don Morris once described ACU as no ordinary university," said Sam Ferguson, associate vice president and deputy athletic director for revenue generation. "The ACU Community proved that statement remains true today with the incredible outpouring of support we received during ACU Gives. Our coaches do amazing work creating a transformative experience where our student-athletes have the opportunity to grow in their faith and reach their academic potential, while also competing for championships. We are grateful to have a supportive Wildcat Community to partner with us in our life-changing work."
Baseball led the way in terms of total gifts with 145 with volleyball reaching 102. Soccer and men's tennis received 86 gifts each.
Men's cross country saw the highest percentage of growth at 667 percent, raising $2,911 this year after $379 last spring. Football grew its number by 524 percent and volleyball saw a 388 percent increase.
The 2024 goal was $344,000 total and most teams eclipsed their individual goal. Men's basketball eclipsed its goal by more than $40,000. Football beat its goal by $21,000 and volleyball surpassed its goal by more than $11,000.
ACU Athletics looks forward to setting another standard when the event rolls around again in April 2025.
