UNG leads PBC in Make-A-Wish fundraising

The University of North Georgia (UNG) received the LeeAnn Noble Make-A-Wish Award for Most Funds Raised at the Peach Belt Conference's (PBC) annual awards dinner in late May in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. 

Director of Athletics Mary Rob Plunkett was in attendance to receive the award from PBC Commissioner David R. Brunk. 

"We are so proud of our student-athletes and the job they do in raising money for Make-A-Wish," Plunkett said. "Efforts like these change lives and bring light into some of the darkest times for the families Make-A-Wish serves. We look forward to continuing to be part of this extremely worthwhile initiative."

UNG continues to be the benchmark for NCAA Division II Make-A-Wish fundraising, winning the LeeAnn Noble Award for the 16th straight year with $4,798 contributed in 2024-25. The Nighthawks, who have hosted more than 21 wish reveals as part of their initiative, increased their giving by more than $1,000 over their 2023-24 totals.

Augusta University earned the Most Improved Award after boosting their giving to $1,764 this past academic year.

NCAA Division II has raised more than $7 million toward granting the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. Over 795 "wishes" have been granted through D-II contributions. These wishes can serve as a game changer in children's fights against their illnesses, helping them feel better, and in some cases even get better.

The PBC Make-A-Wish awards were renamed the LeeAnn Noble Make-A-Wish Awards following the 2013-14 season. Noble was a women's golfer at North Georgia and former wish recipient from Make-A-Wish.  She appeared on the cover of NCAA Champion Magazine in fall 2013 and sadly passed away in March 2014.  Her dedication to the Make-A-Wish program will live on with these awards that will forever bear her name.