FINDLAY AUTOMOTIVE AND UNLV ATHLETICS LAUNCH MULTI-YEAR PHILANTHROPIC PARTNERSHIP
Gift will support the Runnin’ Rebel Basketball Legacy Campaign and student-athlete excellence
@UNLVAthletics | @UNLVRAF | Findlay Support Video
In commemoration of a four-decade long friendship, UNLV Athletics and Findlay Automotive have entered into a multi-year, philanthropic partnership dedicated to student-athlete success.
The commitment will also boost the newly formed Runnin’ Rebel Basketball Legacy Campaign, which is dedicated to the re-emergence of UNLV men’s basketball as one of the nation’s elite programs.
Launched in the fall of 2019, the campaign is highlighted by an endowment that is now close to $4 million. The Momentum Fund Campaign is also a focal point, with a percentage of the funding to provide essential scholarships to deserving student-athletes demonstrating need.
The gift from Findlay Automotive and the Findlay family comes at an especially strategic time for UNLV Athletics, as the department works to overcome the challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. For the Findlays, this generous gift will also honor the family’s unmatched history with Rebel Athletics, a legacy that began with Cliff Findlay and his tremendous career as a center on the Rebel basketball team in the late 1960’s.
“My father has always held UNLV close to his heart,” said Findlay Automotive executive Robby Findlay. “He is so very passionate about the success of the Rebels, both on the court and in the community. This gift is a way to honor my father’s love for UNLV and the relationship that we have shared through the years, as a family, with UNLV Athletics – one that is stronger now than ever before.”
“This gift will have a significant impact on the department and comes at a critical time,” UNLV Director of Athletics Desiree Reed-Francois said. “We appreciate the relationship that UNLV has had with the Findlays over many years and are grateful for their extreme generosity. This is truly a transformational contribution. Thank you to Donna, Cliff, Robby and the entire Findlay family for their confidence in the direction of UNLV Athletics.”
In recognition, the Findlay Family name will be displayed in the ribbon of Tarkanian Court at the Thomas & Mack Center, which is a tribute to the longstanding connection between the Findlays and Runnin’ Rebel Basketball.
“Donna, Cliff, Robby and the Findlay family have helped establish the foundation of our program, said UNLV men’s basketball head coach T.J. Otzelberger. “This incredible gift is evidence of the confidence that we have in our future together. The Findlays represent excellence which is the standard for the Runnin’ Rebels.”
To join the Findlays in support of student-athlete success, please consider a Momentum Fund Campaign gift today. For more information on the Momentum Fund click here, or to make a gift click here.
The Momentum Fund originally debuted in March of this year, before graduating into the D5 Momentum Fund 2.0 in August as the athletics department, which is facing unprecedented financial challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, looks to overcome the loss of ticket and premium sales revenue. The new focus has a goal of raising $1.5 million from donors by the end of the calendar year.