Hurricane Club Surpasses 2011 Membership Mark
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The Hurricane Club has surpassed last year’s membership of 5,331 members and is nearing its goal of 5,500 members for 2012. To date, more than 5,300 members representing 48 states and four different countries are proud members of the Hurricane Club – but we still need your help to reach 5,500 members for 2012!
The Hurricane Club – which helps to increase scholarship-funding for student-athletes, improve facilities and provide operation funding for more than 400+ student-athletes across 17 varsity sports – relies on the generosity of Hurricanes fans, alums and former student-athletes to continue a high caliber of excellence in the classroom and in competition.
No one knows that better than Jesse Marks, now in his third year as Assistant Athletics Director for Development with the Hurricanes. Marks, a two-time UM grad who began his professional career with the Hurricane Club, knows there are Canes fans in South Florida, across the U.S. and even around the world who “Stand By The U.”
“It’s a testament to the fans, families, alumni, the current, former and future Hurricanes, all wanting to uphold the Miami legacy,” Marks said. “No matter if that means a $40 or $40,000 donation, our fans want to support our program and student-athletes.”
That’s why the Hurricane Club, founded in 1972, has implemented recent initiatives like the “40-for-40” campaign. In celebration of the organization’s 40th anniversary, fans can now join for as little as $40.
Marks said the Hurricane Club has its sights on much bigger targets. Eventually, the Hurricane Club would like to see a membership of 7,500 strong by 2015. Other goals for 2012 included raising $10.1 million in scholarship support (a $500,000 increase from 2010) and 40 percent member participation in the 40-for-40 campaign.
“Our fans want to feel connected to the University of Miami and there is no better way to do that then philanthropically,” Marks added.
To learn more about the Hurricane Club and its role in the University of Miami Athletic Department, click here.
