In an effort to raise money for Florida A&M University athletics, the Rattler Booster Club and athletic department launched the “1,000 Strikes” campaign.
On Aug. 30, the FAMU athletic department and FAMU Booster Club launched the campaign to encourage FAMU supporters to donate money towards the 18 sports programs.
The goal is to get 1,000 supporters to donate $1,000.
FAMU Athletic director Bill Hayes is confident that people will support the campaign.
“I have no doubt that there are 1,000 Rattlers who are willing to give $1,000 or more to support the Rattlers,” Hayes said.
He went on to say that this is what the campaign is all about- helping student athletes.
He hopes to let people know that they can make a difference.
According to annual financial reports, the athletic department’s operating budget is just over $11 million.
This includes player scholarship, road games and other expenses.
At many colleges around the country, the booster club is known as the “team behind the team,” and that is no different at FAMU. The booster club raised over $100,000 in 2007.
To help promote the “1,000 Strikes” campaign the athletic department has deemed the Oct.4 game against South Carolina State the “1000 Strikes Game.”
All contributors as of Sept. 25 will be honored at a halftime ceremony.
Even though the deadline to be recognized was Sept. 25, Hayes said he hopes people continue to contribute because this is a year round campaign spanning all seasons.
Hayes also said those who donate can decide which sports they want their money to go towards, but he encourages people to support the entire athletic department.
“This campaign is for all eighteen sports,” Hayes said.
On Friday nights before every Saturday home football game fans will be able to attend an event called “Friday Night Strike.”
This is just another way to help support the athletic department.
This is an event that will include vendors, singers, dancers and other community talent.
“Friday Night Strikes” will be a community event suitable for all ages all ages,” Hayes said.
Gallop Franklin, a golf player said that there are many benefits to the “1000 Strike” campaign
“It’s great to be receiving money from Alumni because of all of the budget issues the university and the athletic department is facing,” said Franklin, 21, a fourth-year pharmacy student from Tallahassee. “It creates a sense of competition with alumni. If their friend’s name is up there it means something.”
Gallop also explained that those who donate $1000 will have their name posted on a board above Gaither Gym’s main entrance.
Curtis Holcomb, football player said that he appreciates the efforts of the alumni.
“When I become an alumni, I’d love to do it. I’ve even seen some of my own coach’s names on the board. It’s good to see them giving back, too,” said Holcomb, 20, a sophomore accounting from Miami.
An opportunity to join “1,000 Strikes” and the booster club will also be available.
With the “Friday Strikes” and the “1,000 Strikes” campaign in motion, Hayes is confident that he can get Rattler athletics out of the red.
Hayes said he has huge plans, which include upgrades to Bragg Memorial Stadium and other athletic facilities.
There are eight different levels of membership.
If you are already a member you can still upgrade to the Fang level to become a “1,000 Strike” member.
To find out more about becoming a Rattler booster or “1,000 Strikes” member contact the Rattler boosters at 850-224-6093 or go to www.therattlerboosters.com