U.S. Rugby Foundation in Silent Phase of Multi-Year, Multi-Million Dollar Campaign
San Diego, CA (February 4, 2019) – The United States Rugby Foundation has begun a multi-million-dollar campaign to benefit grassroots rugby across America. The Foundation has been supporting domestic rugby in the United States since its founding in 1963. Over the years, this non-profit organization has poured more than two million dollars into United States rugby at the grassroots level. Now it looks to multiply its efforts through a comprehensive, national fund-raising campaign.
U.S. Rugby Foundation Chairman of the Board of Directors, Brad Andrews, has established a Campaign Committee, and appointed Jay Waldron as Chairman. Brad and Jay have obtained the services of former USA Rugby Board member and college rugby coach, Mike Mahan, to advise the group. Mahan is a fund-raising professional who raised $400 million dollars during his career in college and healthcare non-profits.
Waldron, a U.S. Rugby Hall of Fame member, said, “The Foundation has been supporting U.S. Rugby for half a century. We have always been very effective, but in my opinion, we can do much more. The fact that we are stepping forward with a national campaign will be a call to action for all Americans who love the sport of rugby.”
During the planning phase, the campaign has been focusing on corporations, foundations and individuals to be prospective leadership donors. With more than $700,000 pledged from the U.S. Rugby Foundation Directors alone, the campaign is off to a great start. When asked to describe the campaign, Vizard commented, “The Foundation wants to make sure it gets ideas and commitments from a broad group of leadership donors before going public. We estimate this phase could take up to one year. After which, we will broaden our approach seeking support from the rugby public. The working name of the campaign is ‘With You! Growing Grassroots Rugby in America.’”
In addition to continuing its current programs, the campaign will primarily focus on impacting four areas:- Youth rugby- Health, Safety and Wellness- Pathways to Excellence- Coaching and RefereeingTo discuss being a campaign leader, contact Mike Mahan (ltcmwmahan@aol.com or 831-262-0583). For additional information about the United States Rugby Foundation, please contact Foundation President Brian Vizard at 619-233-0765 or at bvizard@usrugbyfoundation.com.
