FAMU football coach Quinn F. Gray has given Rattler Nation its first detailed look at how the nearly $300,000 raised through the “All In / Restore the Strike” campaign is being spent.
Gray said Monday that the program has used just under $100,000 on equipment and facility improvements intended to enhance practices, game preparation and the home-game experience.
The purchases include two scissor lifts for filming practices and games, new branding graphics throughout the Galimore-Powell Field House, a paint striper for maintaining the practice field and a segment clock for tracking periods during practice.
The program also purchased what Gray called “The Boom,” a customized Canon to be used during home games. Gray had promised fans to bring back the ROTC Canon to Bragg Stadium to add to the game day experience. In past years, the Cannon was fired after each Rattler touchdown.
“All of these items came in right under about $100k,” Gray wrote in a social media post. “Which leaves a good amount for some more improvements to come in the very near future.”
The campaign, launched by the FAMU Foundation and Gray earlier this year, was designed to support FAMU student-athletes and help the football program navigate its postseason ban. The Rattlers were barred from postseason competition because of academic progress rate violations.
Gray had promised donors that he would provide updates on how the money was being used. Monday’s post represented the first detailed accounting of the campaign’s expenditures.
“Every day I’m reminded of the blessings that God has bestowed upon me to lead my Alma Mater as the Head Football Coach,” Gray wrote. “I can’t go without making sure that Rattler Nation understands the joy that comes from our young men, the staff, and myself for the support that was shown.”
The spending reflects Gray’s effort to upgrade some of the program’s basic infrastructure as he prepares for his first season as FAMU’s head coach.
The remaining funds are expected to be used for additional improvements in the coming months.
“Thanks Rattler Nation for your continued support!” Gray wrote.
Gray's transparency is a breath of fresh air. This is something we haven't seen from the FAMU Foundation in years. And, WE certainly hadn't see anything like it from MAGA Marva and her team of looters!!
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