Pirate Club Achieves Record-Breaking Fundraising Year
February 06, 2017 | General
GREENVILLE, N.C. - The East Carolina University Pirate Club achieved a record-breaking year in the 2016 calendar year, successfully raising $32,866,955 according to an announcement by ECU Senior Associate Athletics Director and Pirate Club Executive Director J. Batt.
The mark nearly doubled the previous record high.
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In addition to endowment funding and philanthropic support of the Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium Southside Renovation project, the Pirate Club raised a record-setting $7,832,015 for annual fund scholarship support through its 17,436 members in 2016.
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Contributions to the Pirate Club annual fund in 2016 broke the previous record of $7.7 million set in 2015. It marks the third-consecutive year the foundation has eclipsed the $7-million mark in annual fund support, growing the fund 27-percent over the last three years.
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"This phenomenal fundraising total is a testament to the passion of the Pirate supporters," Director of Athletics Jeff Compher said. "Not only have you responded very generously to the Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium Southside Renovation project, you have also continued to increase contributions to the Pirate Club which funds our student-athlete scholarships. On behalf of our student-athletes, coaches and staff ... THANK YOU!"
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Facility enhancements and the offering of additional program services provide ECU Athletics the opportunity to meet the needs of its student-athletes and to foster athletic and academic excellence, while playing a crucial role in the recruiting process. One such facility enhancement project is the Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium Southside Renovation, which began March 2016.
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In just over a nine-month span, the Pirate Club has successfully raised more than $27-million, including $13,543,000 in philanthropic support of the Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium Southside Renovation project. Among the leadership gifts received, 11 were million-dollar plus commitments.
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As part of a long-term facilities master plan, the $55-million project involves the construction of a southside tower resulting in the creation of 1,000 premium seats through the new Club Level, Loge Boxes, Standard Suites and Founder's Suites The addition of the new Pirate Club Level, Field Level Club and premium parking spaces will enhance the game-day experience.
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Beyond Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, the project includes improvements to the Ward Sports Medicine Building and Scales Field House to provide needed functional space for over 430 Pirate student-athletes. Development of the indoor hitting facility adjacent to Lewis Field at Clark-LeClair Stadium is also part of the capital campaign project.
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"It is truly gratifying to see members of Pirate Nation step up and create a culture of philanthropic excellence around East Carolina University," Batt shared. "Thank you to each and every member of the Pirate Club for your support and commitment to our student-athletes. You have stepped up and made this incredible year possible."
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In addition to the $7.8-million of annual scholarship fund support, the Pirate Club secured $585,000 in gifts-in-kind and contributing services including game-day hospitality and the courtesy car program, to name a few.
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The Pirate Club has experienced success across the state with satellite offices in Charlotte and Raleigh. Established in Dec. 2015, the offices serve the two areas as they continually expand in their respective region through membership growth and financial support.
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The Letterwinner chapter, Young Grad program and Student Pirate Club (SPC) also have experienced growth. The SPC, the official student organization of the Pirate Club, surpassed the 10,000-member milestone in 2016 accounting for 10,746 members. Founded in 1989, the SPC has grown from under 100 members to one of the largest student-based organizations in the country.
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"Pirate Club members continue to show their commitment to excellence both in athletic competition and in the classroom with these record breaking numbers," Pirate Club Executive President Dan Nichols stated. "The long-needed Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium Southside Renovation project has created an air of excitement by the Pirate Nation which is shown by quick commitments in the purchase of premium seats and in philanthropic gifts."
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To make an immediate impact in the lives of over 430 ECU student-athletes, join the Pirate Club today by renewing or joining in 2017. Make a gift online at ECUPirateclub.com or call (252) 737-4540.
