POMONA, Calif. - Cal Poly Pomona's Bronco Athletics Club (BAC), the official fundraising organization of Cal Poly Pomona athletics, set a new all-time record for the program with more than $600,000 fundraised during the 2011-12 academic year.

The amount represents a 112-percent increase from the previous high and twice as much as the fundraising total from the 2010-11 campaign. A record number of donors also stepped forward and contributed during the 2011-12 year.

"We are extremely grateful for the outstanding support from everyone associated with our program," Director of Athletics Brian Swanson said. "These contributions have a tremendous impact on our athletics program and allow for our student-athletes to strive for excellence in the classroom and in competition. All we do is a total team effort."

The Bronco Athletics Club plays an integral role in the growth of 10 intercollegiate athletic programs and more than 200 student-athletes. The mission of the Bronco Athletics Club is to support the department's commitment to investing in the resources needed for student-athletes to pursue their aspirations and achieve unprecedented team and individual successes.

The Cal Poly Pomona Intercollegiate Athletics Department funds generate financial support to assist with program expenses such as scholarships, academic services, life-skills development, team travel, operational costs, and recruiting efforts. The Broncos' student-athletes strive to perform at the highest level in the classroom, competition, and community service.

The past year featured many academic and athletic accomplishments for the Broncos, including the announcements of five All-American accolades and 41 All-Academic honorees within the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA).

"Our record fundraising year is a true testament to the amazing supporters of Bronco athletics," Director of Development Brandon Raphael said. "Alumni, staff, faculty, corporations and other individuals made an impact and showed how much they love Cal Poly Pomona and the Intercollegiate Athletics program. Our donors rose to the occasion in the BAC's first year and made gifts in nearly every facet of the department. Every dollar truly matters at Cal Poly Pomona and we cannot thank our donors enough for their unwavering support."

Among the generous donations during the 2011-12 year, one gift stood out above the rest. In January, Cal Poly Pomona alum Danny Andrews announced his record-setting pledge of $400,000 to the baseball stadium project. It marked the largest single gift ever to the Broncos' athletics department, topping the previous mark – also delivered by Andrews – set at $105,000 in 2008.

Membership for the Bronco Athletics Club is as simple as donating to Cal Poly Pomona athletics. For more information on how you can contribute, contact Brandon Raphael at (909) 869-2825 or bjraphael@csupomona.edu.