RCAF ANNUAL FUND SETS RECORD; APPROACHES $11 MILLION IN CASH, PLEDGES

LAFAYETTE – The Ragin’ Cajuns Athletic Foundation (RCAF), the official fundraising arm of Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Athletics, announced on Wednesday that contributions to the RCAF Annual Fund set a record, while eclipsing the $2.1 million total for the third consecutive year.

RCAF officials also announced that total contributions in cash and pledges during the 2016 Fiscal Year approached nearly $11 million. Contributions to the RCAF Annual Fund in 2016 totaled $2.168 million, breaking the previous record of $2.165 million in 2015. 

Through Dec. 31, 2016, $10.872 million in total cash and pledges was raised by the RCAF with total cash contributions in all areas (Annual Fund, Endowment Funds, Excellence Funds, Sport Restricted, Capital Campaign) totaling $8.109 million. During the most recent fiscal year, total campaign pledges to the RCAF totaled $2.762 million with over 300 new donors joining the ranks.

“To raise over $10 million with everything this community has endured in the last year is remarkable,” RCAF Executive Director Jim Harris said. “It is a testament to the loyal donors and fans that make up Ragin’ Cajuns Nation. There are a lot of people who had a hand in this achievement. From the RCAF staff – Stefni Lotief, Gerald Hebert, Danika Arenibas, Kali Judice and Susan Breaux, to the Advancement staff led by John Blohm to the UL Foundation staff led by Julie Falgout. 

“Not to mention the hard work of former Director of Athletics Scott Farmer and all of the coaches who raise money for their individual sport programs. Finally, the RCAF Board led by outgoing Chair Robert Daigle. Thank you to everyone who had a hand in the wonderful achievement.”

Accomplishments both on the field and in the classroom saw both the baseball and softball teams claiming Sun Belt Conference titles, and Ragin’ Cajuns student-athletes posting a four-year Federal Graduation Rate of 66 percent – the highest among public institutions in the state of Louisiana and ranking 12th among schools in the Group of 5.

Contributions to the RCAF Annual Fund provide unrestricted funds to enhance the student-athlete experience and enable support for overall operations, personnel, and facility improvements, such as elements of the Athletic Facilities Master Plan, which was released in 2013. Projects in Tier 1 of the three-tier plan included the addition of nearly 6,000 seats in the south end zone at Cajun Field, the completion of the new Soccer/Track Facility and the completion of the 100,000-square foot Student-Athlete Performance Center, which benefits all student-athletes in the Ragin’ Cajuns 16 Division I athletic programs.

Projects in Tier II are currently underway, including the construction of M.L. Tigue Moore Field at Russo Park, along with a new facility at Oakbourne Country Club that will benefit the Ragin’ Cajuns golf program.

“As my term as RCAF Chair ends I will take pride in knowing the last two years were the most successful in the eight-year history of the RCAF organization,” RCAF Chairman Robert Daigle said. “The Athletics Foundation is growing financially and will continue to work hard every day to raise the private support needed to enhance the experience of roughly 370 student-athletes.”

For more information on the RCAF, visit myRCAF.org or call (337) 851-2904.

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