From the Director of Athletics Dear Chippewa Supporter: When I became our Director of Athletics in 2006, I put forth the challenge of creating “a Championship Culture� at Central Michigan University. What started as a personal vision soon became a driving force behind the efforts of everyone involved with Chippewa Athletics. Our student-athletes achieved success both on and off the field at an unprecedented level. We upgraded facilities and rose to meet the demands of the ever-changing world of collegiate sport. This Championship Culture could not have become a reality without your support. As we move into the 2011-12 school year, it is our mission to build upon our past success and continue to strive for excellence. A consistent strength of Chippewa athletics has always been the unique closeness shared by its programs and the community that supports them. The Chippewa Athletic Fund operates as a unifying force between these two populations to ensure the financial stability and competitive success of CMU athletics for years to come.
Table of Contents What is the CAF...........................4 Why Donate to the CAF................6 Ways to Donate...........................8 Membership Benefits.................10 Stadium & Parking Maps............11 Important Information.................12 CAF Calendar............................13
To ensure each donor’s gift has a maximum effect on the program(s) of his/her choosing, the CAF has a three-tiered structure: • Membership in the Chippewa Club lays a foundation for the CAF. Gifts at this level serve as the annual funding resource and help provide basic needs for individual CMU teams and programs. • Championship Funds are a way for our programs to set up individual initiatives that target specific needs. These critical projects are what help separate CMU’s programs from the rest of the MAC. • Our Capital Projects initiatives play a crucial role in upgrading our basic infrastructure at CMU. These large-scale initiatives will continue to be prioritized as we are committed to providing our student-athletes the finest facilities in the Mid-American Conference. The Championship Culture we have at CMU is more than a string of good fortune and a collection of individual successes. It is about our student-athletes’ daily efforts to be extraordinary. It is about our coaches serving as caretakers of the proud tradition of Chippewa Athletics. It is about the unwavering support of friends, family and alumni. It truly is all about the C! Thank you so much for continuing your loyal support, and Fire Up Chips!
Dave Heeke Associate Vice President/Athletics Director
“As a student-athlete at Central Michigan University, I recognize my experience is truly unique. Both on and off the playing fields, courts, and track, student-athletes are afforded varied and distinguished opportunities to achieve, grow and thrive as players and people; for this, I am extremely grateful. My experiences are reflections of the support and generosity provided by the donors to the Chippewa Athletic Fund.” Raeanne Lohner Women’s Track & Field Cross Country student-athlete
WHAT IS THE CHIPPEWA ATHLETIC FUND?
The Chippewa Athletic Fund is the fundraising arm of Central Michigan University Athletics. Its mission is to ensure a financially stable and highly competitive program in the Mid-American Conference. The CAF is composed of three areas: Chippewa Club, Championship Funds, and Capital Projects.
CHIPPEWA CLUB: The Chippewa Club is the annual funding resource for individual CMU teams and programs. Chippewa Club revenue directly impacts the establishment of the CMU Athletics operating budget. Funds raised through the Chippewa Club benefit our sport programs and their ability to cover annual costs including, but not limited to, recruiting, team travel, equipment, uniforms and medical expenses. Contributions through the Chippewa Club offer membership benefits that are not available through any other type of annual giving. CHAMPIONSHIP FUNDS: Donations to Championship Funds do not replace annual gifting through the Chippewa Club but are designed to complement individual sport program growth. Contributions made toward a team’s Championship Fund help finance specific initiatives highlighted by each team above and beyond its basic needs. Fulfilling these needs will help each program meet its championship potential. CAPITAL PROJECTS: The development of first-class facilities for training our student-athletes and staging our athletic contests is crucial to continuing our championship culture. We are proud of our facilities but must continue to ensure they meet the demands of tomorrow. Capital Projects contribute to the campus community as a whole in addition to supporting the goals of the athletics department.
“In the ultra-competitive world of Division I college athletics, the lifeblood of a program hinges on the ability to recruit the best players. The Chippewa Athletic Fund directly contributes to this mission by providing us not only the means to recruit, but all the amenities that allow us to present the image of a big-time program. The CAF gives us the opportunity to RECRUIT the best in the nation and to COMPETE with the best in the nation.” Sue Guevara Women’s Basketball Head Coach
WHY DONATE TO THE CHIPPEWA ATHLETIC FUND? Over the past several years, our teams have experienced great success both on and off the field of play. Many student-athletes have won mulitple conference championships and even more have earned academic accolades. It is no coincidence that our record-breaking fundraising totals have coincided with increased academic and athletic achievement. We owe much of the thanks for our tremendous successes to the hard work and dedication of our student-athletes, but the contributions of Chippewa fans, family members and alumni cannot be ignored.
“Your contributions to the Chippewa Athletic Fund enable us (as coaches) to position our student-athletes for greater success. Whether it be nonconference competition, necessary training equipment, the most modern apparel items, or additional recruiting dollars, your continued support is invaluable to our everyday needs. Without your generous help CMU Athletics would not be where it is today.� Tom Borrelli Wrestling Head Coach
Donating to the Chippewa Athletic Fund, you can be assured that every penny you contribute goes toward CMU student-athletes! As previously mentioned, your donation to a team’s Chippewa Club goes directly toward that team’s operating budget, assisting with everyday costs such as recruiting, team travel and uniforms. Donations to a program’s Championship Fund are used for specific inititatives that will help teams reach above and beyond their basic needs. Here are some examples of what your generosity funds: • $250 to a team’s Chippewa Club helps purchase one uniform for a student-athlete.
• $500 to a team’s Chippewa Club pays for one meal while a team is on the road.
• $1000 to a team’s Chippewa Club pays for a computer in the Academic Center for our student-athletes’ use.
• $2500 to a team’s Championship Fund will assist a program with purchasing advanced equipment that will give them an edge on opponents.
• $5000 to a team’s Championship Fund will help lease a vehicle for a sport program to go on the road and recruit the best and brightest student-athletes to CMU.
“For CMU athletics to maintain the high degree of success we continue to enjoy, our financial contributions to the Chippewa Club are absolutely essential. As a former Chippewa student-athlete, coach and administrator, I can assure you that your generous financial support is very much needed and will be greatly appreciated by our outstanding athletic program.” Dave Keilitz Chippewa Athletic Fund Donor
WAYS TO DONATE You may choose from several options when setting up payment of your annual gift. Online: Donations are accepted online. Please visit to access the online donation form. Mail: Print the donation form and send to: Chippewa Athletic Fund Carlin Alumni House Central Michigan University Mount Pleasant, MI 48859 Form E-checks: The Chippewa Athletic Fund E-Checks program gives CAF supporters the opportunity to set up convenient, affordable deductions on a monthly basis through an electronic fund transfer (EFT) program. For more information on the Chippewa Athletic Fund E-Checks program and FAQ’s on this program, please visit. CMU Payroll Deduction: If you are a Central Michigan University employee, you are eligible to contribute to the CAF via a payroll deduction. Please call our office for more details. If you have any questions, please contact the Chippewa Athletic Fund office at (989) 774-6680 or email us at chip.club@cmich.edu.
CAPITAL PROJECTS & PLANNED GIVING In addition to contributing to the annual fund, there are several other ways you can make an impact on the CMU Athletics Department. Capital Projects are a great way to significantly impact a program. Current Capital Projects are the CMU Events Center (above) and the Margo Jonker Stadium Project (below). Planned Giving is a method of support that enables philanthropic individuals or donors to make larger gifts than they could make from their income. Some examples of planned giving are bequests, estate planning, charitable gift annuities, and charitable remainder trusts. To find out more information on how you can contribute to a Capital Project or make a Planned Gift, contact Bob Heller, Associate AD for Development, at (989) 774-1836 or helle1rc@cmich.edu.
Membership Benefits Athletic Director $500
Coach $250
Lot 62W VIP
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Lot 62W
Lot 62W
Lot 62W
Lot 64
Lot 64
Lot 62W
Lot 62W
Lot 62E
3rd
4th
5th
6th
7th
8th
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Champion $10,000
Victory $5,000
All-American $2,500
Team $1,500
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Football club-level seating purchase option*
8
4
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2
2
Men’s basketball lower level CAF Premium Seating purchase option*
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Lot 61
Lot 61
Lot 61*
Lot 61*
4 - Lot 64
3 - Lot 64
2 - Lot 64
Preferred seating priority to purchase seats in Chippewa Club sections
1st
2nd
Invitation to special Chippewa Club events
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LEVELS OF CONTRIBUTION Season pass to football Chippewa Athletic Fund hospitality suite Away game trip for two (upon request) Complimentary season passes (2) to the CAF Football Tailgate Tent Complimentary VIP Parking Pass (1) – Football Access to the Paul and Sandy Smuts Lower Level Club Lounge for men’s basketball games Invitation to Chippewa Athletic Fund hospitality suite one time per season Complimentary Admission (1) to Sideliner’s Luncheon Series Sideline passes (2) for a home football game (upon request) Special donor appreciation gift Recognition on football and basketball video scoreboards CMU Sports Zone annual subscription (online streaming cmuchippewas.com) Autographed Team Photo (Team of choice, upon request)
Recognition on Events Center touch screens Chippewa Club executive lapel pin Personalized tour of athletics facilities (upon request) Access to Football Club Lounge CMU President’s Circle membership*** Reduced greens fees Ticket priority to away contests and postseason games purchase option 20% CMU Bookstore discount 20% off at Max & Emily’s Men’s basketball preferred parking purchase option** Football preferred parking purchase option**
Recognition on website and in game programs Chippewa Athletic Fund newsletter and bi-weekly E-newsletter Membership card and club gift
*Based on availability and membership level priority **Parking benefits are purchase options only ***To learn more about the CMU President’s Circle, visit cmich.edu
Executive $1,000
Varsity $100
Kelly/Shorts Stadium
McGuirk Arena
Club Level Seating
J
G
H
D
E
F
C
Family Section
Family Sec.
B
A
M 10
20
CMU Bench 50 40 40
30
30
20
10
Locker Room
O
Chippewa Club Section Student Section General Admission First Aid Concessions Seat Cushions
Q R
Visitors Bench
S T
U
V
W
X
Y
Ticket Booth
Reserved Section
Student Gate
P
Legend
Video Scoreboard
N
N
Gate
Student Overflow
K
Ticket Booth
Student Overflow
Z
CC
BB
Band Section
AA Gate
Student Gate
L
CMU Bookstore
Will Call Booth
Press Box/Suites
Gate
Lost and Found
Ticket Booth
Gate
Merchandise Men’s Restrooms Women’s Restrooms
Football Parking
Men’s Basketball parking
Important Information TAX BENEFITS Your gifts to CMU are fully tax deductible for federal income tax purposes, subject to the limitations placed on charitable gifts. For residents of the state of Michigan, your gifts also qualify for a credit against your tax bill. Chippewa Club benefits qualify you for priority seating at certain home athletic events. As such, these gifts are subject to Section 170(1) of the IRS code which limits the deductible portion of the gift to 80 percent of the contribution amount. You can make your donation 100 percent tax deductible by declining priority seating benefits. The illustrations below demonstrate the potential tax savings of a gift to the Chippewa Athletic Fund. Consult your tax advisor for details on tax benefits and how your gifts may affect your specific tax situation. There is a $400 maximum Michigan tax credit based on a two-income joint tax return. Individual Amount of gift Federal deduction
$100 ($25)
$500 ($125)
$1,000 ($250)
$2,500 ($625)
Credit from Michigan Federal tax on credit After tax cost of gift
($50) $13 $38
($100) $25 $300
($100) $25 $675
($100) $25 $1,800
$1,000 ($250) ($200) $50 $600
$2,500 ($625) ($200) $50 $1,725
Married filing joint return* Amount of gift Federal deduction Credit from Michigan Federal tax on credit After tax cost of gift
$100 ($25) ($50) $13 $38
$500 ($125) ($200) $50 $225
Federal tax liability is adjusted for decreases in the Michigan Tax Deductions. • *Based on 25 percent tax bracket
MATCHING GIFTS Many companies will match your gift to the Chippewa Athletic Fund. Matching gifts count toward your donations, provided it is in accordance with your company’s policy. If applicable, please forward your company’s matching gift form with your contribution. Matching gifts received after June 30 will count toward next year’s membership level.
CHIPPEWA ATHLETIC FUND CALENDAR February 1 - Chippewa Club membership drive begins April 1 - Chippewa Club membership renewal statements and football season ticket renewals mailed June 1 - Deadline for football season ticket renewals June 17 - Chippewa Challenge Golf Outing More Information June 30 - All gifts are due to ensure that benefits and priority are properly allocated for the upcoming year.* Oct. 14 - Deadline for men’s basketball season ticket renewals *You can give throughout the year; however, to receive proper Chippewa Club membership benefits, please make sure pledged giving is completed by June 30. This deadline will be strictly adhered to when allocating seats and tickets for home, away and postseason games, and parking benefits for the entire year.
COMPLIANCE
Always ask before you act! The NCAA holds Central Michigan University accountable for the actions of its fans and friends. Below please find the National Collegiate Athletics Association’s (NCAA) official definition of an athletics booster. A “representative of the institution’s athletics interests” is an individual, independent agency, corporate entity (e.g., apparel or equipment manufacturer) or other organization who is known (or who should have been known) by a member of the institution’s executive or athletics administration to: (a) Have participated in or to be a member of an agency or organization promoting the institution’s intercollegiate athletics program; (b) Have made financial contributions to the athletics department or to an athletics booster organization of that institution; (c) Be assisting or to have been requested (by the athletics department staff) to assist in the recruitment of prospective student-athletes; (d) Be assisting or to have assisted in providing benefits to enrolled student-athletes or their families; or (e) Have been involved otherwise in promoting the institution’s athletics program. More Information
“It means a lot to me to know that people are donating to the Chippewa Athletic Fund because it shows that they care about the student-athletes at CMU. Every student-athlete appreciates the individuals who give back to athletics because it helps us succeed at our athletic and educational endeavors.” Avery Cunningham Football student-athlete
www.chippewafund.com Chippewa Athletic Fund Office - 989-774-6680 Ticket Central - 1-888-FIREUP-2
Bob Heller, Associate Athletics Director/Development Craig Willey, Assistant Athletics Director/Chippewa Athletic Fund Brian Brunner, Assistant Director/Chippewa Athletic Fund Heidi Fisher, Assistant Director/Chippewa Athletic Fund