The following is a press release from UAM Sports:
MONTICELLO, Ark. –Â The University of Arkansas at Monticello’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) announced that they have raised over $10,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Article by James Hanten, Graduate Assistant Athletic Communications
“There are no words that can describe how exciting this is for our SAAC program and our athletic department as a whole,” said Athletic Director Hud Jackson. “To be able to be part of the Make-A-Wish program and to give a young person an opportunity to do something this special is just awesome. Our student-athletes jumped on board with this project led by Catie Tapp and her SAAC program. Community service is a big part of what we do here at the University of Arkansas Monticello and our student-athletes know the importance of building strong relationships in Southeast Arkansas.”
Senior Woman Administrator / Assistant Athletic Director Catie Tapp was contacted in late September 2024, by Make-A-Wish Mid-South Development Specialist Lydia Miller informing her that there was a Wish Kid located in Monticello. On Friday, October 4, SAAC’s donations portal opened intending to raise $10,000. In an effort to raise the money, SAAC challenged over 300 UAM student-athletes to spend 10 minutes sending 10 texts to 10 people asking for $10 donations, to fulfill the $10,000 goal. 10 days later on Oct. 14, the goal of $10,000+ was met, thanks to many contributions from students, friends, families, and UAM faculty and staff. UAM Athletics currently leads the NCAA Division II in overall donations with $10,030, with donations still being accepted.
“I am blessed to have an amazing group of Athletes who are leaders on campus and in our Student-Athlete Advisory Committee,”said Catie Tapp. “The NCAA Division II level prides itself on community engagement and our Athletes have done nothing but make a great name for themselves and represent UAM and our Athletic programs well. I am beyond proud and grateful for this amazing group, and we are looking forward to being paired with our Wish Kid and to Making A Wish in Monticello!”
More information on UAM SAAC’s Make-A-Wish fundraiser and a link to donate can be found here.
