FAIRFAX, Va. —The Patriot Club, the fundraising arm of Mason Athletics, has completed a record-breaking fundraising year thanks to the overwhelming support of George Mason University alumni, friends, parents, corporations and foundations.

The Department of Athletics announced that it has received $1,700,594 million in gifts and pledges in the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2017, reflecting an increase of 32% from 2015-16. The total marks the highest amount raised since 2007 ($1,731,992) when the men's basketball program was coming off an historic run to the 2006 NCAA Final Four. The number of donors to the Patriot Club increased to 1,280, up from 1,115 during the 2015-16 fiscal year.

"This record-breaking total is yet another example of the unbelievable passion and generosity of the George Mason University Athletics community," said Director of Athletics Brad Edwards. "The tremendous support we receive allows us to continue to enhance the first-class student-athlete experience that we strive to offer. Moving into the final years of the Faster Farther campaign, Athletics has great momentum because of the incredible generosity and commitment of alumni, parents and friends, private support through cash gifts and planned giving will be more critical than ever as we continue to build upon this success and provide even more opportunities for our student-athletes, coaches and programs."

The year was punctuated by several transformative gifts that assisted in the completion of various initiatives, including the following highlights:

• The University's Faster Farther campaign has resulted in a number of capital projects the last few years, including the Mason basketball practice facility, which is currently under construction and scheduled to open prior to the 2017-18 season. The dedicated practice facility is part of the $2.2-million Phase I of the Basketball Excellence Plan, which also features new state-of-the-art game day locker rooms, lighting and amenities in EagleBank Arena.
• In honor of 50 years of Mason men's basketball, the Patriot Club collected an additional $51,000 with the 50% More Challenge among donors.
• The First Pitch Dinner raised $70,000 for the Mason Baseball program, the highest amount raised in the three years of the event. The Patriots baseball team competed this season with brand new dugouts and a major league-designed backstop at Spuhler Field.
• The first ever Mason Giving Day, held on April 6, 2017, garnered 189 donations that totaled more than $42,000 in gifts and pledges for athletics.

Join the Patriot Club today to make 2017-18 another record-breaking year. For more information on how you can be a champion for Mason Athletics, visit www.gomason.com or contact the Patriot Club at 703.993.3215 or masonpc@gmu.edu

Premier benefits of membership include priority parking, VIP hospitality access, and opportunities to attend special events involving Mason coaches and student-athletes.