DETROIT (12/11/2017) -- University of Detroit Mercy's Crowdfunding giving competition for Athletics titled "Clash of the Titans" exceeded its goal by raising more than $111,303 from 484 donors.
 
The competition included a point system designed to ensure a level playing field for all the sport regardless of their size. The winning program in this first-ever giving competition was the Titan women's golf team, who edged out bigger teams like softball and track and field/cross country by raising $5,725 with the help of 15 donors.
 
While traditional fundraising methods were used in direct contact and email, a large part of the competition included social media tactics by each program to help reach their fans, alumni and donor base. From initial YouTube videos, to daily updates on twitter, instagram and facebook, all the Titan programs were very active in their approach to the competition.
 
"This was an outstanding fundraising initiative and collaborative effort by the department of athletics and the University Development department," said Director of Athletics Robert C. Vowels, Jr. "Our teams and staff did a great job with their fundraising campaign and the money raised and amount of donors we had in just 30 days shows what Titan athletics means to our alums and community"
 
The goals of this effort were to increase financial support for teams from alumni and friends and create a friendly competition to determine which Detroit Mercy Division I team can raise the most funds to support specific program needs. According to all who participated, the "Clash" was more than just a huge success on all of these fronts.
 
By utilizing the institution's Crowdfunding platform, "Clash of the Titans" provided a new and innovative way to help Detroit Mercy athletic teams fulfill some important needs. According to Ann Fisher, executive director of Annual Giving and coordinator for this initiative, this first-ever "Clash of the Titans" raised important funding, which will help each team with training and other cost-related needs.
 
"Because we have Division I athletic teams that have to travel around the country to compete, this competition was a perfect fit to help raise funds. We were very happy with the donor response and the energy each team brought to this effort," she added.
 
Detroit Mercy Titan teams competed against one another. As the winning team, the Women's Golf Program will receive an additional $5,000 contribution from the university.
 
"I want to thank everyone who donated to our program as well as to all of the Titan teams as we are all winners with the support we have received," said head women's golf coach Teri Anthony-Ryan. "Our golf program is one of the youngest in school history and to win this competition shows the great support we have built in just 14 years. We have won three Horizon League Championships and finished second twice in the last nine years and this latest fundraising project will help us keep up that championship effort."
 
Through Crowdfunding, Detroit Mercy effectively raises support for programs, services and research activities through targeted efforts to ensure growth and sustainability. The university is pleased to accept donations of any amount to support a multitude of diverse projects.
 
For more information, please visit https://impact.udmercy.edu/g/titans or call the Detroit Mercy Office of Annual Giving at 313-993-1582.
 
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About University of Detroit Mercy
University of Detroit Mercy is Michigan's largest and most comprehensive Catholic university, sponsored by the Religious Sisters of Mercy and the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits). Today's University boasts the heritage of two founding institutions: the University of Detroit, founded in 1877 by the Jesuits, and Mercy College of Detroit, founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1941.  The two consolidated as University of Detroit Mercy in 1990. Detroit Mercy offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and professional academic degrees and programs through seven schools and colleges. For more information, please visit www.udmercy.edu.
 

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