UNLV SOCCER FOUNDATION MAKES $40,000 DONATION TO MOMENTUM FUND
Gift to be allocated towards scholarships for both men’s and women’s soccer programs
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The UNLV Soccer Foundation has made a $40,000 donation to the Rebel Athletic Fund’s new D5 Momentum Fund 2.0 in a move to support both the men’s and women’s soccer programs during these unprecedented times, the athletics department announced Thursday.
“The UNLV Soccer Foundation is truly leading by example with this generous contribution,” said UNLV Director of Athletics Desiree Reed-Francois. “The Momentum Fund is crucial in continuing our momentum toward creating a championship culture through the support of and investment in our student-athletes in all 17 of our sports programs at a time when it is needed the most.”
The $40,000 donation will be allocated evenly towards scholarships for both the men’s and women’s soccer programs.
“Our commitment today ensures the men and women of the UNLV soccer programs are supported during this health and humanitarian crisis,” said Dan Giraldo, UNLV Soccer Foundation President. “The board fully understands that these are unprecedented times where the health and safety of our student-athletes should remain a top priority and investing into the Momentum Fund is our way to help not only UNLV Soccer, but UNLV Athletics in this time of need. We hope that other foundations can step in, to the best of their abilities, and provide needed inspiration to their respective programs which will in turn assist the Momentum Fund and UNLV Athletics as a whole.”
“The generosity and support of the UNLV Soccer Foundation for both the men’s and women’s programs has been absolutely incredible since it was established four years ago,” said UNLV men’s soccer head coach Rich Ryerson. “This gift to the Momentum Fund illustrates the foundation’s dedication, not only to UNLV soccer, but also to UNLV Athletics. During my time serving as the head coach, this community has supported the program beyond expectations. On behalf of both the men’s and women’s soccer programs, I would like to give a heartfelt thank you to the UNLV Soccer Foundation board members!”
“The support of the UNLV Soccer Foundation has been unbelievable,” said UNLV women’s soccer head coach Jenny Ruiz-Williams. “I am constantly filled with joy – day-to-day and moment-to-moment – by their encouragement, generosity, and selflessness as they invest in the future of both the men’s and women’s programs.”
The Momentum Fund originally debuted in March of this year, before evolving 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.
For more information on the Momentum Fund 2.0 click here, or to make a gift click here.