Office of Public Affairs Acadia University Wolfville, Nova Scotia B0P 1X0 (902) 585-1362 Fax (902) 585-1072 News Release For Release:  March 9, 2001

Uniting for the Challenge

(Wolfville, NS) - The challenge has been set, and Halifax metro alumni are responding to help the Athletics Department meet their goal to raise $125,000 by April 2001. Acadia alumni living in the Halifax Metro area have come together to make a significant contribution in the form of the First Annual Beer Garden and Silent Auction.

A $460,000 shortfall experienced by the University after last spring's provincial budget has put pressure on the University budget.  In response to the shortfall, the University has asked Athletics to raise $125,000. Now, the students, coaches and staff involved in Varsity Athletics have issued an urgent call for alumni to support them in their efforts to meet and exceed the fundraising challenge.  Athletics has always been a vital part of the Acadia experience and the department hopes to use the money raised through this challenge to establish a system of funding for Varsity and Club sports at Acadia that will insulate it against future program cuts and will enable Acadia teams to compete at top levels into the future.

"We haven't had an alumni gathering of this magnitude in the Metro area in some time, that's why this event represents such a wonderful opportunity to bring alumni together and revive the Acadia spirit in a fun event in support of athletics and the students who play Varsity sports at Acadia," said Scott MacIntyre committee member. He added that the committee is optimistic that they will reach their goal of selling 650 tickets.

The Halifax fundraiser will take place on Saturday, March 31st  8:00 p.m. in Saint Antonio's Community Hall on Cunard Street, formally the Olympic Gardens.  Featuring Sam Moon and Special Guests, the event promises to be a chance for both reunion and revival of the Acadia spirit.  Alumni are asked to participate by selling tickets for the event, spreading the word about both the event and the cause, and by bringing friends along to enjoy the evening's activities. Donations for the silent auction would also be very much appreciated and can be made to Tim Taylor at taylort@tdbank.ca

A number of other initiatives to help raise money for Acadia Athletics are currently underway.  These include a raffle for a new car, mail-out campaigns, a 'fund-run' by student athletes in March and a planned fundraising dinner in Toronto in April.  As well, a major corporate golf tournament is in the works for August.  More information about the $125,000 challenge can be found at http://sports.acadiau.ca/

Tickets for the Halifax Beer Garden and Silent Auction are available at GrabbaJabba -Spring Garden and Historic Properties, Sea of Love -Scotia Square, the Acadia Arena Box Office at 542-5500, or can be purchased online at http://www.ticketeast.com

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For more information contact:
Sheri Woodland
Communications Manager
Office of Public Affairs
Acadia University
(902) 585-1362
 
 
 

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Published by: The Office of Public Affairs Last revised: March 9, 2001 URL: http://www.acadiau.ca/whatsnew/newsrelease/2001/Athletics_FundraisingMar9.html