The Barry University Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) raised $4,200 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation during 2008-09. Barry University joins other institutions throughout NCAA Division II as a part of a division wide fundraising commitment to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The Barry SAAC has raised $25,650 over the past six years; 2003-04 - $1,200; 2004-05 - $1,700; 2005-06 - $3,000; 2006-07 - $4,100; 2007-08 - $11,450 and 2008-09 – $4,200.
The SAAC raised funds by selling Make-A-Wish stars at home athletic contests, spare change drives, Krispy Kreme donut sales, concession stand sales at a home baseball game, pizza sales, an end of the year car wash and at a Walk for Wishes in February. The most successful were the Walk for Wishes and Krispy Kreme sales. The Walk for Wishes was held one night in February where Barry University student-athletes, staff of the athletic department and members of the Barry University community walked around the soccer fields to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. This sole night raised almost $1,800 for the cause.
“I wish to be”, “wish to go”, “wish to have” and “wish to meet” are the four categories of wishes a child can request through the Make-A-Wish Foundation® . The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.
“The commitment that our student-athletes have had over the past six years is incredible” said Maryanne Simkulak, Assistant Director of Athletics and SAAC Advisor. “Each year they come up with a new idea to raise more money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.”
Barry University has led the Sunshine State Conference each year and has ranked in the top of NCAA Division II fundraising. The Bucs look forward to their fundraising efforts next year and to top this year’s total.
