July 18, 2008

BERKELEY - With $10.5 million raised during the 2007-08 fiscal year, Cal Athletics has set a new record for contributions to its annual fund, Director of Athletics Sandy Barbour announced Friday.

"This is a tribute to our donors and loyal supporters, who through their generosity, helped create conditions for success for our student-athletes," Barbour said. "The financial commitment that we have received from the Cal family over the past 12 months has been overwhelming and unprecedented."

The annual fund provides unrestricted gifts to the department to support its 27-sport, 900-student-athlete program, offering assistance in such areas as operating budgets and scholarships.

"I would like to thank all those who have helped us reach this milestone," Barbour added. "This goal was achieved because our people believe in the mission and purpose of this athletic department."

Compared to just six years ago, the current total is more than double the amount raised in 2001-02 when Cal collected $4.7 million in unrestricted gifts. It also represents a 10.5 percent rise over the $9.5 million donors gave last year.

The increase in giving has allowed Cal Athletics to maintain its presence as one of the premier athletic departments in the country. The Golden Bears were seventh in the 2007-08 Directors' Cup standings, tying for their highest placing ever and marking the fifth time in the last six years Cal has finished among the Top 10. This summer, Cal will have more than 40 representatives in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, another record for the school.

Growth in Annual Fund Giving
2001-02 - $4.7 million
2002-03 - $5.4 million
2003-04 - $6.8 million
2004-05 - $7.9 million
2005-06 - $8.5 million
2006-07 - $9.5 million
2007-08 - $10.5 million