The name Jake Gaither is synonymous with Florida A&M Football and the transformational leadership that he provided to the program, the university and college football. For 25 years Coach Gaither was the cornerstone of a Rattler Football program that dominated opponents and produced young men of high character who represented their community, their families and Florida A&M University with dignity and class.  Coach Gaither's influence can still be felt today as you pass by the Gaither Gymnasium and see the statue of him and the coaches who helped establish the culture of dominance that Rattler fans experienced for decades under his leadership. 
 
 With the ever-changing landscape of intercollegiate athletics and the ever present need to provide financial resources for our 300 Rattler student-athletes, the department of athletics established the Jake Gaither Society to bolster support of student-athlete scholarships. The Gaither Society, launched in the summer of 2020 during the "ALL IN" Campaign for Athletics, serves as the highest annual fund giving level within the Rattler Athletic Fund.  Members of the Gaither Society commit financial support to athletics at the $25,000 level or higher annually. Their annual commitment to our extremely talented student-athletes grants members access to an exclusive, high-level donor experience.
 
"The commitment of our Gaither Society members has been exciting for me as the Director of Athletics.  Rattlers are continuing to show how much they love Florida A&M athletics and the Gaither Society is just another example that our donors and alumni understand what it takes to have a successful Division-I program" said VP & Director of Athletics Kortne Gosha.  We set a membership goal for the Gaither Society and we are pleased to say that we have almost met that goal and continue to attract Rattlers and friends who are excited to jump in and support us at the highest level."   
 
FAMU Foundation Board member and proud alumna Erica Hill said "As a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. I am accustomed to being first and It was important for me to support FAMU Athletics in a meaningful way.  Becoming the first member of the Jake Gaither Society allowed me to demonstrate that I was "ALL IN."  The benefits of the program far outweigh the cost of membership.  Further, it allows me to support our young adults as they strive to excel on the field and more importantly in the classroom.  My membership also allows me to pay homage to the legendary Jake Gaither!  I would encourage all my fellow Rattler's to join me and become a member of the Gaither Society."
 
Methods of supporting Rattler student-athletes through the Gaither Society

Gifts such as those listed below are recognized through our Gaither Society stewardship program:

• Cash
• Appreciated/Marketable Securities
• Real Estate
• Tangible Personal Property
• Paid-Up Life Insurance Policies
• Charitable Lead Trusts
*While deferred, planned estate gift commitments can significantly help FAMU, such commitments are not eligible for Society stewardship programming.
 
            The Rattler Athletic Fund is the official fundraising arm of the Florida A&M Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. The Gaither Society is the leadership giving level within the Rattler Athletic Fund. Leadership gifts are crucial to the growth and success of our annual giving campaign.  With scholarship costs continuously on the rise, Gaither Society member support is more important than ever. By helping cover scholarship costs each year, members make a significant impact on the lives of current and future Rattler student-athletes. 
 
For information about Gaither Society membership and associated benefits please call Keith McCluney at 850.542.1125 or Kevin Wilson at 407.223.9143.