Mount Pleasant - Chippewa alumni and fans came together during the 2011-12 fiscal year and made a profound statement to the Mid-American Conference by contributing a CMU record-breaking $1,283,563.94 in annual gifts.

This seven percent increase from 2010-11 not only represents an all-time high in a single fiscal year, but marks a significant historical milestone as well.

In just seven years, the Chippewa Athletic Fund increased annual fundraising by almost 110 percent with annual numbers breaking the million dollar barrier for five consecutive years.

“When I arrived at CMU in late 2005, I recognized that we had a fan base that was passionate about seeing our student-athletes succeed,” Director of Athletics Dave Heeke said.

“Our athletics development staff accepted the challenge to implement my vision for the Chippewa Athletic Fund and, as the numbers show, their work has paid dividends for CMU student-athletes.”

Chippewa Athletic Fund Annual Fundraising Totals Since 2005
2005-06	$616,878.60
2006-07	$800,010.05
2007-08	$1,081,520.16
2008-09	$1,130,393.08
2009-10	$1,206,499.75
2010-11	$1,197,234.81
2011-12	$1,283,563.94

The foundation of CMU athletics annual giving is built upon the Chippewa Club which allows donors to direct their giving to help support an individual program’s annual operating budget.

In 2007, Heeke introduced his vision for Championship Funds which allow CMU coaches to identify specific initiatives designed to take their programs to the next level. The 1100 Club was created in 2007, followed by the Chippewa Champions program in late 2011 to help reward donors for their support of these initiatives.

The response from CMU supporters to these programs has been overwhelmingly positive and has served as a significant catalyst to CMU athletics’ unprecedented growth over the past seven years.

“Nearly all of our programs set records for their Championship Funds in 2011-12,” Heeke said. “I don’t think there is any more definitive proof that Chippewa fans are committed to CMU’s Championship Culture.”
The unprecedented growth and success that CMU athletics has realized in its annual fundraising efforts would not be possible without the support of CMU alums, friends and family members.

As a new season begins, the Chippewa Athletic Fund looks forward to continued growth thanks to the loyal supporters of the maroon and gold.

Fire up Chips!