Fresno State Athletics
Photo by: CARY EDMONDSON - FRESNO STATE BRAND STRATEGY AND MARKETING
Fresno State Athletics Reaches $1 Million Match and Secures an Additional Seven-Figure Gift
12/23/2025 12:30:00 PM | General
FRESNO, Calif. – The Bulldog Foundation (BDF) announced today a significant fundraising milestone that further strengthens its mission to enhance student-athlete success at Fresno State. The Foundation has officially completed the Valley Co-Op $1 million matching challenge established by longtime supporter Jami Hamel De La Cerda, effectively doubling the value of her transformational gift.
In addition to completing the matching challenge, the Bulldog Foundation received a separate $1 million gift from an anonymous donor, further amplifying the impact of the milestone. The generous seven-figure contribution provides critical support as Fresno State Athletics prepares for competition in the Pac-12 and reflects continued confidence in the Foundation's strategic vision and long-term success at the highest level.
The successful completion of the matching challenge reflects overwhelming community support and underscores the growing momentum behind Fresno State Athletics as it transitions into the Pac-12 Conference. Support from alumni, fans, and philanthropic partners collectively fulfilled the challenge and significantly expanded the overall impact of the campaign.
The additional support will further enhance the Bulldog Foundation's ability to invest in academic support services, sport-specific enhancements, and its ability to recruit, retain, and develop Fresno State student-athletes.
"We are extraordinarily grateful for the generosity of our incredible donors, whose commitments will accelerate our ability to provide meaningful opportunities for Fresno State student-athletes," said Garrett Klassy, Fresno State Director of Athletics. "This milestone reflects the passion of the Red Wave community and the belief in what our student-athletes can achieve as we prepare to compete at the Pac-12 level."
These contributions signal a continued era of increased philanthropic investment and rank among some of the largest in Bulldog Foundation history.
As the Bulldog Foundation continues its 75th anniversary celebration, the organization extends its sincere appreciation to every donor who helped make this achievement possible.
For more information about supporting Fresno State student-athletes or learning more about Bulldog Foundation initiatives, visit bulldogfoundation.org.
In addition to completing the matching challenge, the Bulldog Foundation received a separate $1 million gift from an anonymous donor, further amplifying the impact of the milestone. The generous seven-figure contribution provides critical support as Fresno State Athletics prepares for competition in the Pac-12 and reflects continued confidence in the Foundation's strategic vision and long-term success at the highest level.
The successful completion of the matching challenge reflects overwhelming community support and underscores the growing momentum behind Fresno State Athletics as it transitions into the Pac-12 Conference. Support from alumni, fans, and philanthropic partners collectively fulfilled the challenge and significantly expanded the overall impact of the campaign.
The additional support will further enhance the Bulldog Foundation's ability to invest in academic support services, sport-specific enhancements, and its ability to recruit, retain, and develop Fresno State student-athletes.
"We are extraordinarily grateful for the generosity of our incredible donors, whose commitments will accelerate our ability to provide meaningful opportunities for Fresno State student-athletes," said Garrett Klassy, Fresno State Director of Athletics. "This milestone reflects the passion of the Red Wave community and the belief in what our student-athletes can achieve as we prepare to compete at the Pac-12 level."
These contributions signal a continued era of increased philanthropic investment and rank among some of the largest in Bulldog Foundation history.
As the Bulldog Foundation continues its 75th anniversary celebration, the organization extends its sincere appreciation to every donor who helped make this achievement possible.
For more information about supporting Fresno State student-athletes or learning more about Bulldog Foundation initiatives, visit bulldogfoundation.org.
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