The DePaul University athletic department has launched a crowdfunding effort to recognize and celebrate the impact of Title IX on Blue Demon athletics.
According to an announcement on the DePaul athletics website, alumni, donors and friends are asked to invest in DePaul's women's athletics by directly supporting their favorite program through the university's crowdfunding platform at inspire.depaul.edu/TitleIX.
Donors can select donation levels with special benefits befitting the impact they wish to make. The initiative will feature special giving levels to recognize the impact of the 1972 ground-breaking legislation.
"Making a gift to support our women student-athletes is the ultimate way to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Title IX," vice president and director of athletics DeWayne Peevy said, according to the release. "DePaul has been blessed with a rich tradition of excellence in women's athletics built on the extraordinary vision of coaches and administrators and through the performances of so many incredible student-athletes."
The crowdfunding effort will continue until December 18, culminating in a special salute to Title IX at the women's basketball game against Louisville on Dec. 21.
The campaign carries a goal of 300 gifts, or roughly 50 per women's sport sponsored by DePaul. "To celebrate this anniversary, we want to set our goals high in support of our women's student-athletes," Peevy said. "Reaching our goal of 300 gifts will help us properly celebrate this momentous occasion and empower the future of our Blue Demon women's student-athletes."
According to language appearing in the website release, specific dollar amounts have been suggested for donations. They include:
$19.72 — In honor of 1972, the year that transformed women's athletics, your gift will support the DePaul women's athletics program of your choice and you will receive videoboard recognition as a donor in support of DePaul women's Athletics and its Title IX celebration.
$37 — In honor of the 37 words that transformed women's athletics, your gift will support the DePaul women's athletics program of your choice and you will receive a pair of tickets of the DePaul Women's Basketball vs. Louisville on Dec. 21.
$50 — In honor of the fiftieth anniversary, your gift will support the DePaul women's athletics program of your choice and you will receive admission for two for the pregame reception at the women's basketball game vs. Louisville on Dec. 21.
$100 — Your gift will support the DePaul women's athletics program of your choice and you will receive a DePaul 50th Anniversary of Title IX T-shirt to wear with pride.
$500 — Your gift will support the DePaul women's athletics program of your choice and you will receive four seats in the premium club section for DePaul versus Louisville.
$1,000 — Your gift will support the DePaul women's athletics program of your choice and you will receive two courtside Tickets for DePaul versus Louisville.
$2,500 — Your gift will support the DePaul women's athletics program of your choice and you will receive four (4) seats in the University Suite for DePaul vs. Louisville.
$5,000 — Your gift will support the DePaul women's athletics program of your choice and you will receive dinner for four with the women's coach of your choice and Peevy.
