Pioneer student-athletes make a difference with Make-A-Wish

  • August 20, 2010
  • By Kelly Hayes

Though it was only the Pioneers' first season competing in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA), Cal State East Bay's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) made its presence felt in the community and in the conference's annual fundraising competition, placing third and raising more than $2400 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation during the 2009-10 academic year. CSUEB's contributions helped the CCAA raise a total of $19,701 for Make-A-Wish, the third highest total among NCAA Division II conferences this year.

"We are very pleased with our Make-A-Wish donations for the 2009-10 season," Marissa Parry, assistant athletics director and SAAC advisor, said. "It was because of the hard work and generous donations from our student-athletes, administration and fans that we were able to reach our goal. We look forward to building our relationship with Make-A-Wish, both through monetary donations and service in 2010-11."

The Cal State East Bay SAAC and Pioneer student-athletes found a number of ways to raise money for Make-A-Wish over the past year, including hosting game day barbecues and concessions stands, selling t-shirts for a basketball student section and holding events to raise awareness of responsible social behavior. The events all served as fundraisers as well as an opportunity for student-athletes to meet fans and support each other in their athletic endeavors.

"The fact that we were able to make the third largest contribution to the Make-A-Wish Foundation just goes to show the hard work ethic and selflessness that our students, student-athletes, staff and supporters all demonstrate," SAAC President Johnny Volk said. "As athletes, our collegiate careers will come to an end, however the opportunity to serve our community will always be present. I'm confident that our student-athletes will continue to work hard in our off-the-field endeavors, serving and helping others, making Cal State East Bay a strong member of the CCAA and NCAA."

Make-A-Wish has been the chosen charity of NCAA Division II since the 2003-04 school year, when schools raised $45,000 for the organization. Since then, fundraising totals have grown annually with the seven-year total now exceeding $1.5 million.

"The goal of Cal State East Bay Athletics is to push each of our sports toward the top of the conference in all areas, including academic performance and community engagement," said Debby De Angelis, director of athletics. "I am proud of the time and effort our student-athletes put into raising funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation this year."

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. It is the largest wish-granting charity in the world, with 76 chapters in the United States and its territories and 27 international affiliates on five continents. With the help of generous donors and more than 25,000 volunteers, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has granted more than 110,000 wishes to children around the world since 1980.