IRVINE, Calif. - Now in its 11th year, the Big West Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is prepped to begin its annual Coin Drive this February. The Coin Drive is a group effort with each school's SAAC collecting coins throughout the month of February to donate to a local charity of its choice.

For the fourth year in a row, institutions will donate 100 percent of the funds raised to their designated charities. The top three fundraising SAACs will receive a cash prize to put towards their SAAC budget. 
 
UC Davis selected Yolo County SPCA and hopes to help improve the lives of stray animals and aid in adoptions. The Aggies are honoring their animal-friendly community and look forward to working with the YCSPCA in its effort to prevent animal cruelty.
 
The Big West Coin Drive has raised over $196,000 with a 10-year aggregate of $196,801.62. Last year's total was $20,252.56, the fifth-highest total in the fundraiser's history; the record-breaking sum of $36,271.76 took place in 2013.
 
"The commitment the Big West Student Athlete Advisory Committee has demonstrated to charitable works over the years truly has been inspiring," said Big West Conference Commissioner Dennis Farrell.  "The Coin Drive is a symbol of their dedication and we look forward to the continued growth of the event."     
 
All are encouraged to bring their change to a Big West school to support a worthwhile cause in the month of February.