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Money raised from GoFundMe to give Clemson ‘new mascot costume’ donated to tiger protection group
By SDS Staff
Published:
What started as a joke between “Tigers” fans will end up benefitting wild tigers.
Dion Grossnickle didn’t expect anyone to actually donate to a GoFundMe page he jokingly set up to “Purchase Clemson a new mascot costume.” Some good, however, is coming of his national championship game trolling.
Grossnickle used the GoFundMe page to explain he never expected it to go viral or be seen beyond a few friends. Once it started raising money, he sought the advice of the Clemson Athletic Department:
Here is an update on the campaign. As most of you know by now, this page was created to gain some smiles and create some giggles. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought it would raise any money due to it was created as a joke during the 1st quarter of the National Championship game between Clemson and LSU. To be honest, I thought the post on my Facebook page would be seen by a handful of my friends that happen to be LSU fans. Little did I know that the post would be seen by millions upon millions of people and raise a few thousand dollars. Once I was notified at halftime that my post seemed to be growing I feared that my joke would make many Clemson fans extremely upset. That was my biggest concern as I am a very big Clemson Football fan and highly respect their Football program as well as their players. But being a LSU fan, I was rooting against them for just one night :) The great thing that came out of this is that I quickly learned that Clemson fans have a great sense of humor. Hats off to each of you. Now onto the monies raised.
Once I realized that this GoFundMe page would actually bring in some money I quickly tried to reach out to the Clemson Athletic Department to see where the money raised could be used. Bottom line, this money is their money and I wanted to be 100% certain that they made the decision. I am happy to announce that they suggested that the monies be donated to an incredible organization in Tigers United. To learn more about what this organization does please visit TigersUnited.Org. I believe that this is the perfect place for the monies that have been raised and that will be raised to go. LSU, Clemson, and Auburn are all part of this wonderful organization that has little exposure. But I am hoping that my Facebook joke can be used to grow their purpose. What a great cause!!!!! Great job Clemson!
Grossnickle followed through. Tigers United thanked Grossnickle for the contribution in a Facebook post:
In his GoFundMe update, Grossnickle omitted that Missouri is also a part of the Tigers United University Consortium. The GoFundMe has raised over $3,100 from 352 contributors.
Saturday Down South reports and comments on the news around the Southeastern Conference as well as larger college football topics.
