Published: 10/29/2020
Gannon Athletics helped raise over $10,000 for Make-A-Wish during the 2019-20 year
ERIE, Pa. — For the third consecutive year, the Gannon athletics department topped its goal of raising at least $10,000 as part of Division II’s longtime partnership with Make-A-Wish.
The Golden Knights raised $10,762.62 throughout the 2019-20 academic year, leading the PSAC and finishing with the second-highest total in all of Division II.
“This is a tremendous accomplishment and is truly a testament to our exceptional student-athletes’ and coaches' collective efforts” Gannon Director of Athletics Lisa Goddard McGuirk said. “A commitment to service and to excellence is a constant focus, and we are proud to continue to serve the goals of such a wonderful organization. We look forward to another wish reveal.”
The NCAA Division II Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) established the Make-A-Wish partnership in 2003 and has since become one of the foundation’s largest and most consistent contributors. Division II has raised more than $6.4 million toward granting the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions, and over 760 “wishes” have been granted through Division II contributions.
Gannon was one of just three schools who raised at least $10,000 — the national average cost of granting a wish — automatically earning the university a wish reveal celebration for the third consecutive year. It was also the third straight year that the Knights finished in the top seven in Division II in total fundraising.
“Through unprecedented times, our student-athletes and coaches committed to achieving our department goal of $10,000,” said Kelly Bommer, staff adviser of Gannon’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. “The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee guided the initiative, combining traditional and virtual fundraising efforts which produced exceptional results. We thank all those who participated in the 2019-20 efforts and look forward to another successful year in our partnership with Make-A-Wish.”
Gannon’s contribution was part of more than $205,000 raised by all of Division II, and helped the PSAC take the top spot of all conferences for the fifth consecutive year, as the conference raised a collective $35,294.
To contribute to Gannon's 2020-21 Make-A-Wish campaign, visit www.gannonsports.com/makeawish.