Alabama — Fundraising is on the rise at Alabama A&M University, and the school has already exceeded its financial goal for a gala set for April.

In a presentation to the research, development and technology committee of the school’s board of trustees last week, Vice President Wendy Kobler said the school has raised more than $804,000 since Oct. 1.

That puts Alabama A&M on track to reach the goal set by President Andrew Hugine to raise $2 million by the end of the fiscal year Sept. 30.

“Those individuals who support Alabama A&M University have translated their love into dollars,” Hugine said.

For the school’s annual Black Tie Gala, set for April 12 at the Von Braun Center’s South Hall ballroom, Kobler – who oversees marketing, communications and advancement – said $164,100 has already been raised. That tops the goal of $160,000.

Maj. Gen. James Rogers, commander of the Army Aviation and Missile Command and Redstone Arsenal, will be guest speaker at the gala.

Hugine said about $1 million is “about what we’ve (raised) in the past (each year).” But on raising $2 million in donor gifts, Hugine said, “I have no doubt in my mind that goal will be reached.”

Kobler said the school has just completed a new call center to reach out to potential donors, which will enhance fundraising.

The school is promoting the Alabama A&M license plates that directed $240,000 to the school in 2011. Alabama A&M was fourth in the state in plates sold, trailing the University of Alabama, Auburn University and Alabama State University. Referenced from AL.com