Monday, October 8, 2001

Annual Laxathon Fundraiser Underway

10% of Proceeds to Benefit NYC Firefighters

Ann Arbor, Mich.-- If you are walking through the U of M Diag at any time of day or night this week, you may notice several members of the Michigan lacrosse team throwing the ball around.  They are not just out having a catch.  They are raising money to help support their team and to do their small part to assist those directly effected by the recent tragedies in New York City.

As one of Michigan's two varsity club programs, the men's lacrosse team is provided athletic department and recreational sports department support at a much higher level than other club teams.  However, the team still has to raise over 90% of its $150,000 - $200,000 annual budget on its own.  Player dues and player fundraising efforts amount to almost half of that total, with the remainder coming from alumni and booster giving, corporate partnerships and gate receipts.  

With each player on the team paying $1,300 - $1,500 (depending on class standing) in annual dues, the financial burden to participate is very high.  To help keep dues at their current level, which has not moved in three years despite a budget that has nearly doubled in that time, the players are required to raise at least $20,000 on their own.  Out of that necessity, the Lax-a-thon was born.  It is hoped that this year's event will raise enough to allow the team's student-athletes to spend the rest of the year focusing on academics and lacrosse.

 The Lax-a-thon consists of team members playing catch, in three hour shifts, for one hundred straight hours throughout the week.  Pledges were taken before it started and will continue to be taken during the event.  Pledges can be made directly to players on the Diag or by calling the lacrosse office at (734) 622-9942.  

Every year 10% of the proceeds are donated to charity.  This year the seniors decided that the New York Firefighters Disaster Relief Fund will be the recipient.