Our Crowdfunding Groups
Hello Vandals!
We are asking for your help to get a new and improved Joe.
With the current state of our mascot suits, we are not sure if Joe will make it another season. Our current mascot suits are falling apart and have required some innovative thinking on how to make them work. We have done patch work, sewn in new straps/material, tried to replace chin straps in both heads, and more. There is only so much repairing we can do before we need to replace them. Not to mention, there are permanent odors in the suits as well. The two suits we have are approximately eight and thirteen years old. So, you can imagine all of the sweat build up from student volunteers over the years.
Currently, students are uncomfortable while wearing and acting in these costumes. They are constantly having to readjust the suits while in them; whether it is preventing the pants from falling down, shoe covers not staying buckled, or the head bobbling too much. Joe is the face of our institution and we want to represent our university well. The U of I Spirit Squad is funded through student fees and do not have other avenues of revenue other than fundraising, which is why we are reaching out to our Vandal family. So, please donate today to help us replace Joe and get him back to feeling confident on game day!
When you donate $10, we will give you a shout-out on our Facebook and Twitter page.
Receive a personal thank you note from Joe Vandal for his new costume.
When you donate $50, you will receive a personalized thank you video from Joe Vandal on our social media page.
When you donate $100, you will receive a signed photo of Joe and a personalized thank you note.
When you donate $150, you will receive a signed poster by the Vandal Spirit Squad.
When you donate $500, you will receive a visit from Joe Vandal and a few Spirit Squad members. This is a first come, first serve basis on which weekend(s) might be available.
When you donate $1000, you will get to spend pre-game with the spirit squad. See our warm-up stunts and routines, get photos with the cheerleaders and Joe Vandal, and two tickets to the game. This is a first come, first serve basis on which weekend(s) might be available.
