Release: Atheist Student Movement Gets $50,000 Matching Challenge

October 22, 2009

For Release: IMMEDIATELY UPON RECEIPT

Contact: August Brunsman -(614) 441-9588 - august@secularstudents.org

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Atheists have not been exempted from the recent economic downturn. Fundraising for the Secular Student Alliance has been modest this year, even as their operations have expanded.

Member Todd Steifel wants to see to it that the group is able to continue its mission of organizing, uniting, educating, and serving students and student communities that promote the ideals of scientific and critical inquiry, democracy, secularism, and human-based ethics.

That is why he has agreed to match every dollar donated to the organization through Dec. 21, up to $50,000. "My donation is an investment in the future of democracy, reason and freedom," Stiefel said.

Mr. Stiefel says that the services the Secular Student Alliance offers "are crucial to serving student communities that will foster the next generation of leaders in the secular movement." The Secular Student Alliance currently provides support to over 170 secular student groups in ten countries on college and high school campuses.

Inspired by the matching offer, the Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science has pledged $5,000 to the Secular Student Alliance. Dr. Richard Dawkins, author of several books including the New York Times Best Seller The God Delusion, said "I salute Todd Stiefel for his matching offer, and am recommending to the Trustees of the Richard Dawkins Foundation that we should contribute. The Student Secular Alliance is the future. Or it had better be, if there is to be any future worth having!"

The group of affiliates that the Secular Student Alliance supports has grown over 250% in the past three years. This growth has necessitated more funds than ever before in order to accommodate the organization's operations.

"Todd [Stiefel's] generosity has been a lifesaver for us," said Executive Director August Brunsman. "We're in a position to accomplish more good than ever before, and we appreciate his help in doing so."

All donations, membership dues, and other contributions are eligible to be matched. Tax deductible donations can be made through the organization's website at www.secularstudents.org.