National Wrestling Legends Fund created to support the work and mission of USA Wrestling and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame
\nGary Abbott\/USA Wrestling<\/p>\n
USA Wrestling and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame have combined their annual giving programs through the new National Wrestling Legends Fund.<\/p>\n
This exciting program provides the wrestling community an opportunity to support the efforts and missions of both national organizations. Those that participate in the Legends Fund receive membership in both USA Wrestling and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, along with numerous other benefits based upon their level of contribution.<\/p>\n
This year’s theme for the Legends Fund is “A Passion for Excellence.”\u009d Those involved in both non-profit organizations embody the spirit and passion of excellence. Through membership in the Legends Fund, those who feel this connection make a commitment to keep the sport alive for generations.<\/p>\n
Award-winning author John Irving is serving as the Honorary Chairman of the National Wrestling Legends Fund. Irving, a former wrestler, has been inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame as an Outstanding American.<\/p>\n
“Wrestling was a powerful influence in my life. Even today, the sport continues to influence my daily actions and decisions, “Irving said. “I believe that we in the wrestling community have the opportunity and obligation to assist the sport and organizations that do so much for so many. The National Wrestling Legends Fund was created to assure that the sport will remain a viable contributor to our society.”<\/p>\n
Unlike wrestling organizations in other nations, USA Wrestling does not receive government funding to ensure that the best possible team represents the nation on the mats. Instead, to reach its international competitive goals, it requires substantial private financial support. <\/p>\n
The National Wrestling Hall of Fame depends entirely on private funding from the greater wrestling community to preserve the sport’s history and honor those who have achieved extraordinary excellence<\/p>\n
A $50 Legends Fund Partner Membership card entitles all donors to membership privileges to both organizations. Each Legends Fund Partner will receive USA Wrestler magazine from USA Wrestling, the National Wrestling Hall of Fame newsletter, a Partner gift and discounts on merchandise from both organizations.<\/p>\n
Those who have been Partner Members of USA Wrestling (a $30 membership) have the opportunity to become Legends Fund Partner Members by sending in an additional $20, and will receive the expanded benefits from the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.<\/p>\n
There are eight Levels of Commitment in the National Legends Fund program. Each has a specific title, and is tied to a specific package of benefits and rewards. The National Legend Fund levels include:
\n* Partner – $50 Donation
\n* Friend – $100 Donation
\n* Associate – $250 Donation
\n* Team Member – $500 Donation
\n* Champion – $1,000 Donation
\n* Hero – $2,500 Donation
\n* Legend – $5,000 Donation
\n* Legacy – $10,000 Donation<\/p>\n
In addition to membership privileges, some of the other benefits available from the program include tickets to major wrestling events and National Wrestling Hall of Fame induction activities, specialized gifts as well as special VIP function invitations.<\/p>\n
Contributions to the National Wrestling Legends Fund will help both organizations offset the day-to-day operational shortfalls associated with the multitude of programs and services administered. Each Legends Fund participant will receive an annual report indicating the total amount of money raised, how the money was appropriated to both organizations and how it was utilized.<\/p>\n
A detailed brochure on the program is available for all who wish to learn more. For more information on the National Wrestling Legends Fund or to receive a brochure by mail, contact Sara Levin at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame at (405) 377-5243 or Larry Nugent at USA Wrestling at (719) 598-8181.<\/p>\n