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News & Updates
About
News & Updates
MAY 7, 2021
The Walker Foundation Doubles the Walker Foundation Challenge Gift to $2 Million After Razorback Fans Meet the Initial $1 Million Goal
FAYETTEVILLE – In only two months, hundreds of Razorback Fans have united as ONE Razorback to meet and surpass the Willard & Pat Walker Charitable Foundation Challenge Gift of $1 million in support of the J.B. and Johnelle Hunt Family Baseball Development Center. With gifts of all sizes, Razorback Fans have donated $1.1 million since March 31 in support of Razorback Baseball. Inspired by the generosity of Razorback Nation, the Walker Foundation has doubled the Walker Foundation Challenge Gift to $2 million today as the Razorbacks begin NCAA Regional play at home in Baum-Walker Stadium. The Walker Foundation has generously donated $6.5 million to the project and will now match an additional $1 million in gifts from Razorback Fans.
The approximately 52,000-square-foot facility is nearing completion as Razorback Baseball continues to experience unparalleled success winning the SEC Regular Season Championship and the SEC Tournament Championship. The addition of the Hunt Family Baseball Development Center will solidify Baum-Walker Stadium as the top collegiate baseball facility in the country and contribute to the continued success of Razorback Baseball.
“Razorback Fans are special,” said Mandy Macke, Walker Foundation Executive Director. “They rallied together to support our baseball team during an exceptional season. We share their enthusiasm for Razorback Baseball and are excited to increase the Walker Foundation Challenge to match every new donation up to an additional $1 million.”
“Even as we continue to celebrate what has been an historic season of Arkansas Baseball, the Walker Charitable Foundation and Razorback fans are teaming up to ensure our success for years to come,” said Hunter Yurachek, University of Arkansas Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics. “We are deeply appreciative of the Walker Family’s personal commitment as well as their efforts to inspire others to join them. It is truly an exciting time as we cheer on our team at Baum-Walker Stadium while also bolstering our investment in the future of Razorback student-athletes.”
“We are grateful for the Walker Charitable Foundation’s generosity and commitment to Razorback Baseball,” said Scott Varady, Razorback Foundation Executive Director. “We know Razorback Baseball and the University of Arkansas have great meaning for Johnny Mike and the Walker Family. We are truly grateful for their gifts and the lasting impact they will have on Razorback Athletics. We are confident Razorback Fans will be excited to double the value of their gifts and help meet the Walker Foundation Challenge of $2 million.”
Fans can make a tax-deductible donation to the project in various ways:
- Online at RazorbackFoundation.com
- Call the Razorback Foundation at 479-443-9000
- Text WALKER to 91999
Naming opportunities payable over five years are available and start at $5,000.
ABOUT THE RAZORBACK FOUNDATION
The mission of The Razorback Foundation, Inc., is to support the athletic endeavors of the University of Arkansas Razorbacks. The Foundation assists Razorback student-athletes by providing financial support for scholarships, facilities and various programs that enable them to realize their dreams of achieving a quality college education while participating in athletics on a nationally competitive level.