The Purdue Athletics Department issued a challenge to our loyal fans, friends and alumni in the summer of 2008. This challenge, affectionately coined the “Grassroots Campaign” and extending from 2008 through 2012, appeals to both current John Purdue Club members and non-members alike. We challenge our current John Purdue Club members to increase their giving by amount or level over each of the next four (4) years AND recruit two (2) new members. We challenge non-member fans, friends and alumni to get on board and truly show your colors by supporting your favorite team.

The Grassroots Campaign is in conjunction with the Mackey Arena Renovation Project, a $32M private fundraising effort to make improvements to the 40-year-old home of the Boilermakers including upgraded arena seating, ticket office and other amenities for fans. The remainder of the $99.5M total project cost will come from increased concession and premium seating revenue as well as income generated from the Big Ten Network and other conference television income. This project provides an opportunity to bring the academic, athletic and training facilities into one complex to benefit the needs of all our student-athletes.

Entirely self-supporting, the Purdue Athletics Department receives no state or university funding. As the cost of higher education and maintaining a successful athletic program continues to escalate, sustained private contributions are critical.

Funds raised by the John Purdue Club support over 500 Boilermaker student-athletes through scholarships (including tuition, fees, room, board and books) on an annual basis. The philanthropy of our Boilermaker faithful is vital to Purdue Athletics as it provides the roughly $7.4M scholarship and academic support costs billed to the department each year.  

To date, approximately 9,000 loyal fans, friends and alumni are active members of the John Purdue Club. The John Purdue Club is truly the Team behind the Teams of Purdue University’s 18 NCAA Division I sports teams.

The active role of current members ensures the JPC’s ability to reach its fullest potential in terms of membership growth. Today in college athletics, the most important aspect of building a championship team is recruiting; bringing in talented student-athletes to our program is the key to success. As a member of the John Purdue Club, we challenge you to recruit new members to join the Team behind the Teams and we reward your efforts with priority points, credit and incentives. Join, recruit new members and help the Team behind the Teams reach the next level!

As part of the Grassroots Campaign, the John Purdue Club created a Membership Drive program, rewarding your recruiting efforts based on three main components: points, credit and incentives. The Membership Drive program is a great way to earn valuable priority points, “test” out a higher level of membership and earn fabulous trips and exclusive prizes.

 

Here is the breakdown on how it works:

Priority Points – You will earn points for each new member, retention of new member in the following years and for the monetary amount for each new member.

I.              5 points for each new member

II.            10 and 15 points in the next two years for retention of that member

III.           1 point for each $100 associated with the membership level of the new member (first year only)

Example: If Purdue Pete is responsible for five (5) new memberships in the first year, three (3) at the First Team level ($200), one (1) at the Captain level ($500) and one (1) at the All-American level ($2500), Pete would earn 61 points in year one (25 points for new members and 36 points for total dollars). In year two if all renew their memberships, Pete would earn 50 points; and in year three, Pete would earn 75 points if the original 5 new memberships were renewed!

Credit – Membership dollars for which you are responsible recruiting will be added to your current membership level so that you may enjoy the privileges of a higher level that John Purdue Club controls for one year (i.e., not President’s Council).

Example: If Purdue Pete is currently an active JPC member at the First Team level ($17/month) and is responsible for four (4) new members at the First Team level ($200 x 4 = $800), Purdue Pete will be credited with an MVP level membership ($1000) for one year.

Incentives – Rewards will be given to the top point-earners during numerous “snapshots” throughout the year. The tentative schedule for incentive rewards for top recruiters is September, December, March and July through 2011.

Some of the great incentives so far have been a trip for two to Hawaii (The JPC Official Tour with the Teams), tickets to a sold-out men’s basketball game, tickets to the Big Ten Basketball tournament, and much more!

Recruiting is easy! Just share your passion for Purdue Athletics with your family and friends and recruit them to the Team behind the Teams today! For as little as $17/month, each member will positively affect the lives of our current student-athletes and help build on the tradition that is Purdue. You may also want to host your own recruiting event! We will help with all the planning and invitations, you host the gathering and encourage guests to get on board and join the John Purdue Club. We have held events as small as a social for your neighborhood block, to game-watching events for 75, to a happy hour “tailgate” – all are excellent opportunities to network, meet new friends and share your love of the Boilermakers! Contact the John Purdue Club for more information by telephone at (800) 213-2239 or (765) 494-3248 or by e-mail at jpc@purdue.edu.