MORROW, Ga. – In a span of just 24 hours, Clayton State Athletics made a huge impact in continuing to improve the student-athlete experience as the numbers are in and the Department raised an impressive $24,015 during Give4Dreams 2019, Clayton State University's annual day of giving, on Thursday, March 14.
 
Begun in 2016, Give4Dreams is Clayton State University's day of 24 hours of giving and it has become somewhat of a tradition for the Department to be among the most successful or innovative during that time. That was certainly the case this year.
 
In addition to Athletics' total being the third highest among the 13 areas raising funds this year, and highest department total, it was also a whopping 1,900-percent higher than last year's Give4Dreams total. That comes after raising $1,200 of a $1,500 goal a year ago.
 
The 50 total donors ranks as the second most behind the 91 for Student Affairs' Student Emergency Fund while the Lakers easily surpassed their elevated goal of $15,000. Originally set at $10,000, Clayton State bested their new total by 160-percent, making it the third highest of all areas.
 
Even that is somewhat of a misnomer as the goal for the highest percentage was far lower than that of Athletics. The next closest was 166-percent over a $10,000 goal. On top of that, the Department also collected one of three incentive challenges, earning an extra $1,000 for earning the most during the 12-2 p.m. afternoon stretch.
 
As an institution, Clayton State met and exceeded an increased goal of $160,000, bringing in $161,007, with 11 of the 13 areas meeting their goals. That surpasses last year's goal of $140,000.
 
In the past, Laker initiatives have been the most successful segments and the Department raised nearly $3,300 for improvements to the weight room in 2017.
 
This year's funds are intended to continue to help build and maintain championship level programs through facility enhancements, better travel accommodations, advanced equipment and by providing the best possible student-athlete experience.

"We are overwhelmed by the support we received earlier this month and incredibly grateful to everyone who made a gift," said Director of Athletics Ryan Erlacher. "Raising over $24,000 in 24 hours is an outstanding accomplishment for our Department and will make a significant difference in the experience we are able to provide our student-athletes. We'd like to thank everyone in Laker Nation for making this year's Give4Dreams exceptional!" 
 

Give4Dreams 2019 Photo Gallery