Dec. 9, 2011

The Wooden Athletic Fund, UCLA's general fund for Intercollegiate Athletics, is kicking off a movement to acquire 1,500 new members, the Athletics development team announced today. The 2011 giving year ends on December 31, and, with that in mind, the fund is asking alumni, fans and friends of UCLA Athletics to consider joining for 2012 for as little as $100 a year. Since there are 15 blocks in legendary UCLA coach John Wooden's Pyramid of Success, each of the 100 new members will help to "fill" one block in the pyramid on the way to the goal of 1,500 new members.

"The Wooden Athletic Fund, so fittingly named for Coach and his wife Nell, plays such an important role in providing our student-athletes the resources they need to not only succeed in competition, but in the classroom and in the community," UCLA Associate Athletic Director, Development Josh Rebholz said. "With the ever-changing landscape of intercollegiate athletics and the need for more and more financial support, we truly believe this movement for 1,500 new annual fund members will play an integral part in our ability to provide our student-athletes the best resources possible, both academically and athletically."

Members of the Wooden Athletic Fund not only receive a tax deduction for their charitable contribution, but they also receive great benefits, including priority seating, priority parking, recognition and exclusive access to special events and receptions. Membership levels begin at $100 and increase to more than $25,000 annually. All donations made to the Wooden Athletic Fund go directly to supporting the student athletes at UCLA, including their academic scholarship costs. Scholarship costs for 700 student-athletes, which UCLA Athletics paid $11.1 million to the university in 2011, continue to escalate, and the need for philanthropy is greater than ever.

Additionally, all new Wooden Athletic Fund members in 2012 will receive an exclusive limited-edition "Wooden Athletic Fund Member" adidas hat.

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Wooden Athletic Fund or to learn more, please call (310) 206-3302 or visit www.WoodenAthleticFund.com.