National Collegiate Athletic Association

NCAA News Archive - 2010

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Feb 10, 2010 9:15:10 AM

Dowling's drive to be among the leading contributors to the Make-A-Wish Foundation received a boost last weekend when Student-Athlete Advisory Committee members and student-athletes from the men's and women's basketball teams presented a check for $12,000 to the foundation.

The presentation came during a men's and women's basketball doubleheader at Dowling Gymnasium during games against East Coast Conference rival Mercy College.

About 500 fans and school officials watched Dowling SAAC members and the Golden Lions' basketball teams give the check to a former Make-A-Wish recipient named Steven, whose wish was to go skiing in the Rocky Mountains with his family.

Steven relayed his experience to the crowd, giving everyone an idea of the impact the foundation has on young children with life-threatening illnesses. But the real story of the day was the difference the greater Dowling student-athlete community has made in the lives of young people.

"Even though a check was made for $12,000, the number continues to grow as more and more people contribute to the cause," said Rick Cole Jr., Dowling's vice president of athletics and institutional advancement. "The work our student-athletes do to support Make-A-Wish is truly amazing."

Dowling's contribution of more than $17,000 last year ranks as the most ever contributed by one school in Division II's six-year relationship with Make-A-Wish.