The One Fund supports them all at UNO
The University of Nebraska at Omaha athletics department launched a new initiative to make supporting Omaha’s Team simpler and more efficient.
The One Fund, created in partnership with the University of Nebraska Foundation, is a centralized fund that supports all Maverick teams. Generous corporate sponsors of The One Fund include Aflac, OrthoWest and Nebraska Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine.
“We have worked very diligently to create a mechanism that makes donating to UNO athletics seamless for all of our supporters,” said Trev Alberts, director of athletics. “Instead of donating to each team’s booster club, fans of those teams can designate their donations to those teams through The One Fund. This will allow UNO athletics to be more efficient and cost-effective in managing donations by making just one appeal a year.
“It also will allow our coaches to do less fundraising and more of what they do best: coach. Our booster clubs also can now focus on the social functions of backing UNO’s teams. We’re grateful to our corporate partners for helping us make The One Fund a reality.”
Alumni and Nebraska businesses who enjoy supporting UNO and the athletics program have praised the program and said it’s a good fit for them personally and for their companies.
“As a grateful alumnus, I’ve continually sought ways to give back to UNO for all that I’ve gained,” said John Smith, vice president at THG Benefits. “All of the programs do such a great job with the student athletes; it was impossible to limit a commitment to only a few sports. The introduction of The One Fund is a perfect solution.”
Maverick supporters may elect to receive rewards for their donations. Depending on the level of giving, fans will receive UNO athletic apparel, autographed items, recognition in game programs and during games and complimentary hockey tickets. Supporters also will receive loyalty points to acknowledge generous giving. The points are cumulative to recognize years of support. Boosters with the most loyalty points receive preferred tickets and seating at events.
UNO athletics has created a source for all information on The One Fund online at OmahasTeam.com. In addition to information on rewards and loyalty points, supporters may purchase tickets for UNO athletic events through the site.
W. Michael Walsh, M.D., a physician at OrthoWest, said he and his colleagues are excited about the new giving concept.
“The physicians of OrthoWest have been dedicated supporters of UNO Athletics for more than 30 years,” Walsh said. “While we have donated in many different ways over those years, the One Fund concept makes contributing more convenient. One appeal, one donation, One Fund!”
To learn more about supporting The One Fund go to OmahasTeam.com or contact Terry Hanna, director of development, at 402-502-4106 or 800-432-3216.
Posted in: University of Nebraska Omaha
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The OneFund is a great concept but does it actually support "all Maverick teams" like it claims? The UNO Forensics team earned 8th place at the 2010 American Forensics Association National Individual Events Tournament. The Mavericks were the highest ranked college in Nebraska in 2010 and they run on one of the smallest budgets. Students contribute their own funds to help cover the costs of hotel rooms and food. Imagine how difficult it would be to recruit talented athletes if they were offered no schlorships and were asked to cover the costs of participating in their sport. As a former competitor and coach I believe if an activity brings such recognition to a University as the Forensics Mavericks bring to UNO they should be compensated with appropriate funding and donorship. Competitive actIvities such as forensics produce skilled professionals such as lawyers, reporters, politicians and educators. This team activity provides students with a necessary set of life skills. For that reason all team activities should be supported by the university they so greatly represent, including the UNO Maverick Forensics team.