FROM STAFF REPORTS

MONTEVALLO – The University of Montevallo Student-Athlete Advisory Committee raised a record $3,825.97 this year during its fundraising drive to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the national community partner for committees across the nation at NCAA Division II institutions.

The committee’s efforts to raise funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation received a boost last October when the NCAA announced that it will match all funds raised by the group up to $1,000 per school, meaning the total contribution to the foundation will total $4,825.97.

The Montevallo SAAC hosted several events throughout the year to encourage donations and sold Make-A-Wish stars during the Falcons’ men’s and women’s basketball season, which were on display during game days at Trustmark Arena.

Pablo Martell, the University of Montevallo SAAC President, said the committee takes pride in its involvement with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

“I had a chance to meet a Make-A-Wish family at our conference meeting last year,” said Martell, a member of the Montevallo baseball team. “When you see someone overcoming a challenge or hardship when they’re granted that wish, it’s a big deal to the family.”

Student-Athlete Advisory Committees at NCAA Division II schools across the country raised $517,465 for Make-A-Wish during the 2012-2013 academic year, besting last year’s efforts by almost $50,000 and setting a new NCAA Division II fundraising record. The record will likely be eclipsed when totals are announced from the 2013-14 academic year.

Since beginning its alliance with Make-A-Wish in 2003, NCAA Division II has raised more than $3 million toward granting the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. These wishes can serve as a game changer in children’s fights against their illnesses, helping them feel better, and in some cases even get better.

Last year, more than 80 percent of the NCAA Division II member schools participated in raising money for Make-A-Wish, including the University of Montevallo.