The University of Wisconsin Athletic Department annually funds the scholarships and facility needs of its nearly 800 student-athletes in 23 sports. Since the department is a self-sustaining entity, the generosity of individuals who annually contribute to UW Athletics is essential for our student-athletes to compete at the highest level in the areas of academics and athletics.

In the coming days, the many donors, ticket holders, letter winners, alumni, friends, and fans of Badger Athletics will receive a 2009 Badger Fund annual giving brochure . The brochure outlines the Wisconsin Athletic Departments annual giving program and provides details on all the outstanding benefits associated with contributing to Wisconsin Athletics. Those donors who made a contribution in 2008 will also receive an individualized contribution summary along with the brochure.

In addition to impacting the lives of student-athletes representing the University of Wisconsin, donors to UW Athletics are provided with an array of benefits including priority for requesting season and single game tickets , post season ticket request priority, as well as invitations to exclusive events featuring Badger coaches and student-athletes such as the Football Training Camp mid=2626"> --> Outing .

UW Athletics encourages all donors to make their gifts by April 30, 2009, to ensure priority for all benefits offered this year. Please refer to the brochure for additional details, corresponding annual giving levels, and deadlines associated with each of these benefits.

In addition, those donors who make a contribution to Wisconsin Athletics by April 30th will be entered into a drawing to win one of the following prizes available exclusively through the UW Athletic Department:

Two sideline passes to a non-conference home football game
Dinner for two at the Kellner Club prior to a mens hockey home game
Two tickets in a Kohl Center Suite for a mens basketball home game

Winners of the drawing will be announced in May and contacted by the Badger Fund office. All donors that make a gift by April 30, 2009, will be entered to win regardless of the size of their contribution or area in which the gift is directed.

To make a contribution or inquire with questions, please contact the Badger Fund office at (608) 262-1000, badgerfund@uwbadgers.com or visit UWBadgers.com .