At Washington State University we have some of the most passionate and prideful alumni, fans, and friends in the country. National online competition voting for best logo, uniforms, mascots, and other contests, especially when involving our rivals University of Washington make for interactive and engaging opportunities to showcase that pride. WSU's Cougar Athletic Fund partnered with UW's Tyee Club for the inaugural Apple Cup Giving Challenge. The challenge would be three days during the week of the 112th Apple Cup, rivalry football game between our two schools. We agreed on rules regarding the counting of gifts, recording matching gifts, marketing strategy, and sharing best practices from previous crowdfunding initiatives. We agreed that the total number of gifts would win the competition and it would be announced in-game at the 2019 Apple Cup in Seattle. Overall both annual funds secured 1,413 gifts and $292,166 for student-athletes. WSU supporters far exceeded expectations by winning the Apple Cup Giving Challenge with a final tally of 1,163 gifts and $236,533.
