Illinois State Athletics unveils new fundraising campaign

Photo Courtesy ISU Redbirds Twitter account

NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State University’s Athletic Department recently launched the public phase of a new fundraiser.

The ‘Keep Rising’ fundraising campaign will work to help offset the loss the Athletic Department faced during the pandemic. The department stated they faced a revenue shortfall of over a million dollars.

The Atheltic Department states to have undergone hiring and spending freezes and continues to practice cost-cutting measures.

While the campaign has raised $35,000 in the first phase, the department is moving forward with the second phase. Assistant Athletics Director for Development, Sean Johnson said they will look towards fans and families for help.

“We always seem to find a way to come together to accomplish tasks that seem insurmountable and there’s no question this one presents an enormous challenge,” said Johnson. “We are fortunate to have fans and supporters who continually help us out and this is one of the times we will need them the most. Now is the time for the Redbird family to do what they always do and tackle the challenge at hand. ”

After announcing football and basketball schedules for the spring, the department expects more challenges. Some include schedule changes, seat limitations, and the cost of implementing other protocols.