SPORTS

Fund raiser wins national honor

As Fresno State's top fund raiser for The Bulldog Foundation over the last two years, Al Deniz will be recognized as the nation's most successful volunteer fund raiser on June 16 in Orlando, Fla., by the National Association of Athletic Development Directors (NAADD) at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort.

Demonstrating significant achievements in athletics fund raising over his career as well as the past year, Deniz is the third BDF volunteer to be honored nationally by the NAADD in the last 10 years, among all NCAA Division IA schools. Previously honored were Dennis Woods (1997) and Bob Duncan (2003).

During the five week spring drive just a year ago, Deniz brought in $419,000 in memberships, the only volunteer to raise more than $300,000 in the 54-year history of the BDF. During this stretch he renewed 180 members and signed up 29 new individuals, which totaled more than $25,000 in new monies. For his efforts, he also has been titled "Mr. Bulldog" as the top BDF fund raiser for two years running.

His collective total in 35 years of fund raising is $2.7 million in memberships. Of this total, $1.6 million is donations and the other $1.1 million is in associated ticket benefits. To put it in perspective Deniz, who maintains the highest retention rate for membership renewal, has raised enough donations to have provided 315 full-ride scholarships for Fresno State student-athletes.

Giving more than 30 hours a week to the athletic department in selling priority seating for Bulldog football, basketball and baseball, he also has secured more than $4.5 million from more than 2,500 donors in personal seat licenses.

"Al has stretched the limits of what can be expected by a volunteer with his year-round contact to make sure his members have the answers to their questions," said Pat Ogle, executive director of The Bulldog Foundation. The BDF is lucky indeed to have this player on ‘the team behind the teams.’ ”

The 55th edition of the BDF Fund Drive is currently under way.