The Division II Student-Athlete Advisory Committee agreed to continue its partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation through the 2012-13 academic year.

Meeting recently in Indianapolis, the Division II SAAC voted to extend for three years the collaboration with the children’s charity that has been so successful since it was first established in 2003. Since then, the SAAC has contributed more than $1 million in donations.

Last year, the SAAC, which coordinates donations from institutions, conferences and governance groups, collected an all-time high of $359,187, more than $43,000 above the 2007-08 total.

Division II is the single-largest grass-roots provider to the national Make-A-Wish fund (Division II is among just 10 groups – mostly corporate entities – in the foundation’s $250,000+ advocate level). The division has raised its contribution every year and has regularly eclipsed campaign goals.

“I can’t say enough about how effectively our Division II SAAC members work annually to keep raising the bar,” said Division II Vice President Mike Racy. “Setting another record in this of all years when the economy is forcing everyone to cut back is simply remarkable.”

The Division II SAAC relies on conference and institution SAACs to raise awareness and generate interest in the campaign. While most of the fund-raising initiatives are modest, ranging from spare-change drives and jeans days to bake sales and raffles, they collectively make a significant impact.

“This year, our committee discussed a desire to build an even stronger connection among the local Make-A-Wish chapters and the Division II campus and conference SAACs,” said current SAAC vice chair Rosemary Broderick of Northern Kentucky, who will become chair after the 2010 Convention.

Division II SAAC contributions to Make-A-Wish

2003-04                                              $45,757

2004-05                                              $80,658

2005-06                                            $116,950

2006-07                                            $208,022

2007-08                                            $316,958

2008-09                                            $359,187

Total                                              $1,127,532