The Golden Flashes Club Newsletter
May 2018
May 2018 Newsletter
The Golden Flashes Club Golf Outing
Join Kent State Athletics on Wednesday, July 25, 2018 for the annual The Golden Flashes Club Golf Outing at Windmill Lakes Golf Club, Ravenna. The annual Golden Flashes Club Golf Outing supports more than 400 of Kent State's student-athletes with scholarships. Plus, enjoy the opportunity to play golf with other Golden Flash alumni, coaches, fans and community members.
While out on the course, you will meet Kent State student-athletes, coaches, Flash and administrators. The outing will feature a made to order omelet bar and breakfast buffet, a BBQ luncheon during the awards presentation, raffles, giveaways, contests and more!
Reserve your foursome today or sponsor the event! Visit the website HERE or call 330-672-2078 for more information.
The Annual Athletics Scholarship Auction
Kent State welcomed back Pittsburgh Steelers' fullback Roosevelt Nix (pictured on right) as the guest of honor April 27th during the 7th Annual Athletics Scholarship Auction at the Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center. Nix is the only player in Kent State's history to be named to the All-Mid-American Conference First Team in four straight seasons. In 2010, he joined Jack Lambert as one of only two Golden Flashes to be named MAC Defensive Player of the Year. Nix is Kent State's career leader in tackles for loss (65) and ranks second in sacks (24).
The Flasher Brass band welcomed patrons on the front steps of the M.A.C. Center and later performed inside where more than 183 items were up for bid in both silent and live auctions. Auction items included a FedEx Bristol Motor Speedway package, vacation packages to Hawaii and Cabo San Lucas, a trip with the Kent State football team to Ole Miss and various sports memorabilia, including a Willie Mays signed baseball bat.
The fun-filled night raised over $120,000, from 385 registered bidders. The silent auction pulled in $37,145, while the live auction raised $23,500. Friday evening's event brought the annual tradition's seven-year total to $625,000. The event helps ensure the sustainability of a first-class academic, social and athletic experience for over 400 Kent State student-athletes.
The Program
By now you should have received a copy of this year's edition of The Program. This mailing includes three renewals for the 2018 calendar year: one for The Golden Flashes Club, one for football season tickets and one for your basketball season tickets. We hope that you found The Program informative and helpful to complete this year's renewals. Your continued support on and off the field play a crucial role in our successes!
Kent State Athletics Crowdfunding Exceeds $80,000 Goal by 60 Percent
The Golden Flashes Club completed its seven-month crowdfunding campaign on Thursday, May 10 and the results were a big win for Kent State student-athletes. The campaign raised $128,000 from 720+ donors. Our supporters truly came out in support of Kent State student-athletes for this campaign.
Last summer, Kent State coaches met with our advancement team to discuss needs within their programs that fell outside their budgets. From there, the crowdfunding campaign was launched to ask fans, friends, and family for support of 13 Kent State coaches’ campaigns and there was a strong response from supporters. The original goal of $80,000 was met within the first two months. Over $85,000 was raised from 600 gifts to the campaign. Thirteen campaigns grew to 16 as the campaign marched on.
The Kent State Wrestling team was one of the biggest benefactors of the crowdfunding campaign, as they generated over $25,000 from 201 donors. Once their campaign rolled into November, the team organized a phone-a-thon to reach out to alumni and friends of the team. This earned them 79 gifts and over $7,000 in a three-hour period.
Their plan for the funds? Post workout protein replacement shakes to nourish and replenish after practices, workouts, and matches. The squad also purchased some new couches for their locker room.
By utilizing the institution’s crowdfunding platform, in partnership with the University Advancement team, the crowdfunding campaign provided a new and innovative way to help Kent State Athletic teams fulfill needs within their programs. We owe a lot of gratitude to you, our generous and supportive donor base. A huge thank you to everyone who participated in this campaign.
The Kent State Athletics crowdfunding campaign will re-launch on November 1, 2018 and will feature a new set of coaches’ campaigns with updated goals and content. To learn more about each of the 2017-2018 campaigns, visit our website.
Important Dates to Remember
June 1 Football Season Tickets on Sale
July 25 The Golden Flashes Club Golf Outing
Aug. 1 Football Single Game Tickets on Sale
Volleyball Season/Single Game Tickets on Sale
Aug. 13 Football Season Tickets Mailed
Sept. 14 Men's Basketball Season Ticket Renewal Deadline
Women's Basketball Season Ticket Renewal Deadline
Sept. 17 Men's Basketball New Season Tickets on Sale
Women's Basketball New Season Tickets on Sale
Kent State Athletics Celebrate 100% Giving
The Kent State Athletics department recently showed their commitment to student-athletes. During the month of February the entire department came together to make a statement and show its support. At the conclusion of the month, the athletics department achieved 100 percent staff giving with 114 donations and pledges to support Kent State student-athletes. This is the first time Kent State Athletics reached the 100 percent staff giving mark. Thank you to our amazing staff!
In April, the department celebrated with a luncheon in the third floor loge of the MAC Center and presented Administrative Assistants, Vicki Nader and Sally Kline, with the Golden Flash Employees of the Month awards. The department nominated many staff members but it was an obvious choice among the selection committee on who deserved to share this award. A huge thank you to every member of the athletics staff and a special thank you to Vicki and Sally for their commitment to making Kent State Athletics a great place to work.
Thank you A.S.A.A.!
You may have seen this group of 27 Kent State student-athletes volunteering at a Kent State game or event. They have been a critical part of The Golden Flashes Club. As the spring semester ends, we want to say thank you to the Advancement Student-Athlete Ambassadors (A.S.A.A.) for their time and commitment on creating a hospitable environment where our donors can connect with student-athletes.
This group are among the top of their class in G.P.A. and represent various Kent State sports. In addition to their busy schedules, the A.S.A.A. group has participated in events that ranged from the December Thank-a-Thon to the annual Athletics Scholarship Auction in April.
A.S.A.A. member and senior softball player, Emily Dobbin, said, “I have been honored to be a part of A.S.A.A. as it gets student-athletes in touch with the donors who make our collegiate experience possible. I have appreciated getting to know those who generously give to our programs and represent the Kent State softball team.”
Again, a huge thank you all of this year’s A.S.A.A. members. Each of you brought a special touch to our events and enhanced the experience for every member in The Golden Flashes Club.
We Give Thanks!
"The opportunity to be a student-athlete at Kent State University is a dream come true, but would not be possible without the generosity of our incredible donors. I personally want to say thank you to each and everyone of you guys for all the love and support you give to us in multiple ways. The top notch student-athlete experience we have here is strictly because of the amazing people that continuously give to help us enjoy our once in a lifetime experience. We are excited for the upcoming season and can not wait to share incredible memories with you guys, as you are just as much apart of our Flash Fast Family as anyone else." - Isaac Vance, Football
"I’m thankful for the opportunity to watch student-athletes succeed in school and in life because of the generosity of all of our donors and the support team that work tirelessly at Kent State University on their behalf." - Brice Biggin, Head Women's Gymnastics Coach
“ I cannot thank you all enough for everything you do. The constant support we receive from donors is amazing. My experience at Kent State has been nothing short of phenomenal thanks to you. Being able to connect with you at a cross-country meet or at an event hosted by The Golden Flashes Club has made my Kent State experience even more special!” - Sarah Pack, Women’s Cross-Country
"I am thankful for a group of young ladies that love this University and love being a part of our program. We have a special group that makes this job FUN!" - Heather Schnepf, Assistant Field Hockey Coach
"Thank you for the support you give to the athletics family here at Kent State University. Without it, we as coaches, could not coach or ultimately have any impact in our athletes lives. I am going on my 18th year here as the throws coach and have seen first hand the importance of your donations, thank you so much!" - Nathan Fanger, Associate Head Coach - Throws
“Thank you so much for your support! Without your help, my teammates and I would not have the opportunity of being a student-athlete for such a great university. Your support has given us the chance to play on the biggest stage while receiving a first-class education. Coach Lewis and his staff have brought a new energy to the team as we prepare for next season. We are incredibly excited to see you at Dix Stadium this Fall! Go Flashes!” - Colt McFadden, Football
Flashes Connect
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We are pleased announce our new student-athlete alumni platform, Flashes Connect, the official networking platform for Kent State Athletics alumni and current Kent State athletes! |
Football Game Day Hospitality
Kent State's "FlashFast" Football season is quickly approaching! Be sure to know where our The Golden Flashes Club hospitality areas are and where your support qualifies you to enjoy the game. If you are interested in upgrading or would like more information, please feel free to contact our office at 330-672-2078.
We look forward to seeing you at Dix Stadium this season!
IBAKA Platform
Annual Donation: $100 or complimentary to former student-athletes
Location: Covered North East Party Platform
Hospitality Includes: Discounted prices on satellite concessions and beer
Number of Guests: Limited to the number of season tickets purchased
Parking: Complimentary East or West side parking
Jim & Carolyn Phelan Varsity "K" Room
Annual Donation: $250+
Location: Jim & Carolyn Phelan Varsity "K" Room and covered patio
Hospitality Includes: Complimentary heavy hors d'oeuvres, popcorn and discounted beer
Number of Guests: Limited to the number of season tickets purchased
Parking: Complimentary designated West side parking area
The President's Blue and Gold Suite Patio Passes
Annual Donation: Please contact Maggie McKendry for details at 330-672-0462
Location: Patio only seating outside of The President's Blue and Gold Suite
Hospitality Includes: Complimentary food and beverages
Number of Guests: Limited to the number of season tickets purchased
Parking: Complimentary designated West side parking area
The President's Blue and Gold Suite
Annual Donation: Please contact Maggie McKendry for details at 330-672-0462
Location: Suite level West side
Hospitality Includes: Complimentary food and beverages
Number of Guests: Limited to the number of season tickets purchased
Parking: Complimentary designated West side parking area
Football Season Tickets on Sale June 1st
Get your gold on and come cheer on your Golden Flashes this football season! Visit our website for more information.
- $48 for General Admission
- $78 for Chairbacks
*$5 fee per order
