WILSON, N.C. — October 27, 2022 — Barton College’s inaugural “Clash of the Bulldogs” was a great success! A total of $167,486 was raised from more than 1,200 donors making almost 1,700 gifts. These gifts will enhance the athletic experience for Barton’s 690 student-athletes during the 2022-2023 academic year.
The week-long, athletic-focused fundraising campaign, led by the Office of Institutional Advancement in collaboration with Barton Athletics, engaged the College’s 24 NCAA DII teams in friendly but spirited competition, as they each raised awareness and financial support for a chosen initiative to directly benefit their team.
The funds raised during this campaign allow Barton College to fulfill the ever-changing needs of our student-athletes and to invest in Barton’s competitive edge through enhanced nutrition and travel accommodations, and the purchase of new equipment and apparel.
“We are so grateful to our student-athletes and coaches for embracing this new concept at Barton College and to our donors who made this experience such a success,” shared Kelly Taranto, associate vice president for institutional advancement.” “On the field, course, court, pool, track, and in the classroom, we do all we can to support our students. And, thanks to our Clash of the Bulldogs’ donors, we will see dollars invested in enhancements that will significantly impact our student-athlete experience on campus.”
The success of this inaugural campaign could not have happened without the generosity of a few lead donors who provided matching dollars to incentivize giving. Ron Bowen gave a generous lead gift to Barton Athletics, allowing the College to leverage his gift for matching dollars. Bowen, class of 1975, is a former ACC basketball player.
In addition to Bowen’s match, Barton also received a lead gift from The Hub/Ruckus & Redemption that was used to help teams get to the minimum 25 gift goal. The Hub/Ruckus & Redemption is an official sponsor of the Bulldogs, and, in addition to their lead cash donations, they will also provide the refreshments for eligible Bulldog Club members in the Robert L. Dunn, Sr. Bulldog Club Room in Wilson Gymnasium during basketball season.
“The Barton pride and Bulldog spirit of our Atlantic Christian College / Barton College athletics community was on display during the Clash of the Bulldogs,” noted Todd Wilkinson, Barton College Director of Athletics. “That same Bulldog spirit shows up every day in our student-athletes, and I’m grateful for their dedication to their sport and to the College. I’m grateful for every donor that supported this effort.”
Faculty/staff, alumni, parents, and students were among those choosing to support this singular initiative. Bulldog support was embraced far and wide by alumni and friends of the College in 20 countries and 40 states including the District of Columbia. The 20 countries represented included the U.S., Albania, Australia, Canada, Croatia, Denmark, Ecuador, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Malaysia, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Puerto Rico, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
The top teams in participation were the Men’s Lacrosse Team with 347 gifts collected and the Men’s Soccer Team with 226 donors participating.
Those who may have missed being part of the Clash of the Bulldogs and would like to support Barton College Athletics, may still participate! Visit give.barton.edu.