FAIRBANKS - The Alaska Nanooks launched the inaugural Athletics Giving Week Monday, Sept. 12 - Friday, Sept. 18 and totaled $75,632 from 402 gifts in support of all teams and the Nanook Fund.

"Our inaugural Athletics Giving Week was done as an exciting way to support our teams at the start of the season and set them up for success," said Brooke Larson, the Alaska Nanooks' Asst. AD for Marketing, Sponsorships, and Fan Engagement. "In previous seasons, teams opted into Give-a-Thons as dedicated team fundraisers, and as we expanded to more and more teams, this felt like a natural shift to bring us all together at the start of the season." 

59 gifts were given to the Nanook Fund for a total of $7,060. The Nanook Fund supports all events hosted by the Nanooks Department of Athletics, including the Hall of Fame Luncheon and end-of-year All-Sports Banquet. 

A total of 343 gifts were given directly to Nanooks athletic teams, totaling $68,572. The gifts to individual team funds help support each program's goals, on top of their annual budgets, as they continue to grow. Giving Week gifts will also provide additional financial assistance with team dinners, team bonding activities, and entertainment on the road, and much more to better the student-athlete experience. "Athletics Giving Week was launched last Saturday with a one-hour all-sport event in the Alaska Airlines Gymnasium where student-athletes called their family, friends, and alumni to let them know about their current and upcoming season and how they can get involved. It's really motivating to see, in real-time, the support flood in on the crowdfunding site from donors across the country and internationally," added Larson. "Our goal is to continue Athletics Giving Week at the start of each fall as we build momentum for our Alaska Nanooks and ensure they have all of the resources they need to meet their program goals and strive for success." 

The department and teams thank everyone who supported the inaugural fundraising event, including the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the UAF Alumni Association. More importantly, thank you to everyone who donated to a team, helped spread the word and cheered on your Nanooks.

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