July 13, 2006
SAN DIEGO - The Aztec Athletic Foundation (AAF) recently concluded its annual fund-raising drive with a victory celebration June 29 at the residence of San Diego State University President Dr. Stephen Weber. Over 60 guests, including volunteers, coaches and administrators, attended the festivities where AAF director Diana Philippi announced that $1,608,987 had been raised for student-athlete scholarships during the 10-week campaign. The total established a record for the sixth year in a row and surpassed last year's figure by $310,910.
Volunteers, working individually and in teams, were also recognized for their tireless efforts, which helped the AAF exceed its 2006 goal of $1.5 million by nearly $109,000. In addition, 167 new members were recruited during the drive, while almost 35 percent of the existing membership (763 members) increased their pledges totaling $286,932.
"The results from this year's campaign were simply amazing," said Philippi. "We are forever indebted to our volunteers who put in a lot of hard work over the past 10 weeks. Their diligence truly demonstrates the significance of this program within the community."
The top three volunteer teams went to the I-15 Road Warriors, who raised $204,442, followed by Monty's Beach Bum Border Patrol (second - $196,529) and Team East County (third - $170,272).
Individually, Ben Bagnas was the top dollar producer with $107,340, including $39,677 in new money raised. Bob and Darlene McCray followed in second place with $80,012.00, while Bobbie Harkey ($72,363), Jim and Deborah Marshall ($64,633) and Todd Nielsen ($60,360) rounded out the top five.
The Aztec Athletic Foundation would like to thank all of those who have supported "The Drive - 2006." The AAF raises funds for student-athlete scholarships through donations and is comprised of friends, fans, alumni and businesses which proudly support SDSU Athletics. If you are interested in making a donation to the San Diego State student-athlete scholarship fund, please contact the AAF at (619) 594-6444.
This year's top fund-raisers are listed below:
Top 3 Teams:
1. I-15 Road Warriors - $204,442 (Ben Bagnas, captain)
2. Monty's Beach Bum Border Patrol - $196,529 (Jim Marshall and Dave Youmans, captains)
3. Team East County - $170,272 (Todd Nielsen, captain)
Top 10 Individuals:
1. Ben Bagnas - $107,340
2. Bob & Darlene McCray - $80,012
3. Bobbie Harkey - $72,363
4. Jim & Deborah Marshall - $64,633
5. Todd Nielsen - $60,360
6. Larry & Katie Cook - $57,360
7. Sharon Burgreen - $49,534
8. Cliff Bee - $40,905
9. John & Becky Busch - $33,077
10. Matt Pohl - $31,585
Top New Dollar Producer:
Ben Bagnas - $39,677
Rookie of the Year:
Mike Costa - $4,627