Bulldog Bash Raises More than $45K for Gardner-Webb Athletics

Funds Help Student-Athletes Achieve Academic and Athletic Goals

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The second annual Bulldog Bash student-athlete fundraiser ended recently, bringing in more than $45,000 for Gardner-Webb University’s student-athletes. Despite the challenges of COVID-19 and moving to an online exclusive format, the two-day event exceeded last year’s total by $18,000.

Sponsored by the Gardner-Webb Bulldog Club and GWU Athletics, this year’s fundraising auction drew the support of 268 bidders through email and social media channels. They bid on more than 270 items, from sports equipment and memorabilia to travel packages to GWU away games and coaching sessions.

“The funds raised during the Bulldog Bash will significantly aid the efforts of our coaches to provide their student-athletes with a more memorable experience during their time as a Runnin’ Bulldog,” observed Chuck Burch, GWU vice president for Athletics. “The use of the Bulldog Bash funds will vary from team to team, depending what the specific needs of the team may be.”

Burch thanked Will Mabry, Bulldog Club director, and Ryan Bridges, director of Sports Information, for their work in coordinating the event. “It’s because of them that the event was successful and our student-athletes will reap the rewards of their efforts,” Burch added.

Efforts by the GWU Marketing Division along with social media outreach enhanced the visibility of this year’s online event and added to its success.

“I am so pleased that our loyal Runnin’ Bulldog fans participated in this online event,” noted Woody Fish, vice president for External Affairs/Advancement. “Your support will make a difference for each one of the more than 400 students who compete in NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletics at Gardner-Webb. Thank you for helping these students reach their goals.”

The event sparked some friendly competition among the bidders. Some of the more popular items were a GWU football prototype helmet, men’s basketball game trips to Duke and the University of Virginia (Charlottesville), a trip to Kona, Hawaii, a GWU baseball package, and hand-painted GWU Christmas ornaments.

Gardner-Webb President Dr. William M. Downs also expressed his gratitude to the alumni and fans who participated. “The proceeds go straight to helping our student-athletes strengthen their performance both in the classroom and on the fields of competition,” he affirmed. “To win championships, we need the finest facilities and the most effective training equipment. To win championships, we need the Bulldog Club and the larger Bulldog Nation to boldly invest in our 22 Division I teams … that so many Gardner-Webb supporters stepped up during these challenging is a great sign for our future! We want to win, and we want to win now; with support from the Runnin’ Bulldog faithful, our coaches and players can claw their way to the top.” 

Located in the North Carolina foothills, Gardner-Webb University is a private, Christian, liberal arts university. Gardner-Webb emphasizes a strong student-centered experience and rigorous academics to prepare students to become effective leaders within the global community. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.