TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Sycamore Athletics raised $558,830 during Indiana State's fifth annual Give to Blue Day. The department led all entities on campus with over a half million dollars in donations and helped the University to a record-breaking $1,385,877 in gifts during the 24-hour event.
 
"Huge thanks go out to our wonderful Sycamore donors," ISU President Dr. Deborah Curtis said. "Many thanks to our generous alumni and friends."
 
Sycamore Athletics continued its success on the fundraising front as a record 654 donors contributed to various funds across the department. The Athletic Department completed 37 different challenges on the day. Each of ISU's 14 athletic programs were successful with at least one challenge, while additional challenges aided the Athletic Academic Support Services, the Carpenter/Ilkin Football Endowment, and the Strength & Conditioning program.
 
"Fundraising is the lifeblood of an athletic department," Director of Athletics Sherard Clinkscales said. "It has allowed us to provide coaches the ability to supplement their sport budgets and to provide enhanced experiences and competitive tools helping our student athletes reach their full potential. I am so grateful to all those that gave. It was a good day for Sycamore Athletics!"
 
Highlights from the day included Sycamore baseball alum and current member of the MLB San Francisco Giants Sean Manaea contributing $125,000 to the baseball team in a donor challenge. Jack and Joyce Rentschler also played a big hand in Athletics' success through a variety of contributions and challenges throughout the day, contributing over $100,000 towards 9 different teams and programs.
 
"Thank you to each and every single one of the 654 donors who gave on Give to Blue Day," Assistant Athletic Director for Development Danny Plasencia said. "I want to especially thank the Rentschler family who helped multiple programs throughout the day and Sean Manaea, with a generous gift to our baseball program. They, together with all of our other donors made it a special day for our Sycamore family. Every gift matters, big and small, not only financially but also in showing your care and support of our teams, coaches and student-athletes. Thank you!"
 
Overall, 1,710 donors made contributions during the event from all 50 states and three countries. ISU 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. Businesses included Federal Coffee + Fine Foods, Culver's, Terminal Public House, Grand Traverse Pie Company, Java Haute, WaterTower Estates, the University Village Apartments, and McDonald's locations in Terre Haute.
 
Next year's Give to Blue Day is scheduled for Wednesday, March 20, 2024.  
 
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