NATCHITOCHES – For the second time in less than seven months, the generous spirit of Northwestern State fans turned out in a record display, doing so from coast to coast.
 
More than 125 NSU fans donated from 12 states on Giving Tuesday Now, an international day of giving for non-profits that originated during the novel coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic.
 
Those donors tallied $27,557 worth of support for the Demons Unlimited Foundation, the fundraising arm of Northwestern State Athletics. That number surpassed the total of $25,351 raised during November's annual Giving Tuesday, and it marks the fourth straight record-setting DUF number for a Giving Tuesday event.
 
"On behalf of our student-athletes, coaches and staff, I express immense gratitude to everyone who made this one-day endeavor so impactful during a time when it is more critical than ever to generate funds for student-athlete scholarships," said Director of Athletics Greg Burke. "Especially noteworthy was an inspiring level of support from within the NSU Athletic Department and the ability of our external staff to organize and implement such a successful revenue generating initiative during these uncertain times. All of this speaks to the dedication and resiliency that has and continues to personify NSU Athletics."
 
The Giving Tuesday Now endeavor also marked the kickoff of the DUF's Annual Fund Drive. Off Tuesday's donations alone, the DUF is more than 5.5 percent to its yearly goal of $500,000.
 
The total from Tuesday's donations, which came from a wide range of the country including New York, California, Iowa and Florida, proved Northwestern State supporters are "all in" on aiding the DUF.
 
"During these challenging times, we remain hopeful and confident that our student-athletes will be back on campus soon, and that we will continue to be able to provide the full scholarship support they need to compete, learn and thrive again," Associate Director of Athletics/Senior Woman Administrator Dr. Haley Taitano said. "The donations we received today have provided the first step in that direction, and we truly are grateful." 
 
The DUF supports athletic scholarships, the purchase of textbooks, facility enhancements and recruiting efforts among other areas to help NSU operate a Division I athletics department that houses 14 programs.  For more information on the Demons Unlimited Foundation and how you can be part of the progress, visit nsudemons.com/unlimited or contact Mike Jaworski at jaworskim@nsula.edu.
 
The Demons Unlimited Foundation must generate more than $1 million annually to assist the department and individual sports in underwriting annual operating expenses and program enhancements.