TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Indiana State Sycamore Athletics raised $444,083 during Indiana State's sixth annual Give to Blue Day. The department led all entities on campus in fundraising over ISU's annual day of giving and helped Indiana State raise $1,355,900 over the 24-hour period.
 
"A big thank you to all our donors for their generous contributions," ISU President Dr. Deborah Curtis said. "Fundraising is an essential part of Indiana State University and Sycamore Athletics, and Give To Blue Day highlights just how passionate our supporters are."
 
Sycamore Athletics continued its success on the fundraising front with 618 total donors contributing to various funds across the department. On the day, the Athletic Department completed 34 different challenges and matches with each of ISU's 15 athletic programs successful with at least one challenge. Additional challenges aided the Athletic Academic Support Services, the Carpenter/Ilkin Football Endowment, and the Strength & Conditioning program.
 
"Fundraising is an integral part of our operations to be able to support our student-athletes and provide coaches the ability to maintain their competitiveness," Interim Athletic Director Angie Lansing said. "We are so fortunate to have alumni, friends and family who generously give because of their love for Indiana State University Athletics. We are thankful to our advancement partners for their engagement with our donors on this annual day of giving."
 
Highlights from the day included a $50,000 challenge from John and Marilyn Thyen and Mel Burks' $40,000 challenge in support of the Sycamore football program. Jack and Joyce Rentschler also played a big hand in Athletics' success through a variety of contributions and challenges throughout the day, contributing $32,500 toward eight different teams and programs.
 
Overall, 1,611 donors contributed during the day-long event with donations coming in from 43 states and four countries.
 
Indiana State also had help throughout the Wabash Valley with various community partners participating in Give to Blue Day by hosting special promotions, encouraging donations, and contributing a portion of sales to ISU.
 
Local businesses that contributed included Bits n' Bites, Culver's, Honey's Bar & Grill, Scout's Pizzeria, Tropical Smoothie Café, Terre Haute Brewing Company, The Wing House, and McDonald's locations in Terre Haute.

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