News Releases
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08-27-2010 WVU Foundation offers new way to donate to Pride Travel Fund through Text2Give campaign Nothing signals the beginning of fall like West Virginia University football and the exciting sounds of “The Pride of West Virginia”, the Mountaineer Marching Band. To make sure “The Pride” is heard in Baton Rouge Sept. 25 when the Mountaineers travel to the heart of SEC country to take on LSU, the WVU Foundation is offering alumni and friends a new way to donate to the Pride Travel Fund at the touch of a button from your mobile device. Simply text the words “WVU BAND” to 85944 from any mobile device to instantly make a $10 donation. The charge will appear on your mobile device bill. “By offering text giving, we’re making it easy and convenient for Mountaineer fans to show their support for the Pride of West Virginia,” said Kristen Larrick, assistant director of the Foundation’s University Fund and Pride Travel Fund coordinator. “With just a few taps of your finger, you can donate to the Fund, which provides financial support for much of the band’s traveling expenses.” Larrick says fans attending the season home opener Sept. 4 against Coastal Carolina and the Sept. 18 home game against Maryland will be encouraged through public address announcements and other messaging to support the band through the Text2Give campaign. “Band members really enjoy taking our show on the road, representing this great state and University,” said Jay Drury, marching band director. “We appreciate the generosity of those who support our travel efforts and encourage folks to donate through the Text2Give campaign.” The Pride Travel Fund was established by the Foundation in 2007 to help offset the cost of transportation, lodging and food for the 360-plus member band that also will be making trips this season to Marshall and Pitt, as well as other events throughout the state and region. Supporters of the band have answered the call for donations in the past, Drury said, and hopes that 2010 will be no different. “While the University and the Athletic Department provide financial support for the band, our travel expenses exceed the band’s budget,” he said. “We rely on private support from our alumni and friends to enable us to travel.” Since the Fund’s inception, donors have contributed more than $320,000. The contributions have enabled the band over the years to travel to away games at Auburn, Syracuse, Connecticut, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and Marshall. Anyone interested in making a larger gift, or contributing online or by mail to the Pride Travel Fund may do so by contacting the WVU Foundation, 304-284-4000 or visiting www.pridetravelfund.com The Text2Give campaign is being made possible by a partnership with the Mobile Giving Foundation, which enables nonprofits to accept donations from almost any phone and major cellular provider. The Mobile Giving Foundation provides the organizational layer, operational guidelines and technical infrastructure for nonprofit organizations and donors to use the incredible power and convenience of mobile technology. For further information about the Mobile Giving Foundation, please visit the MGF web site at http://www.mobilegiving.org The WVU Foundation is a private nonprofit corporation that generates and provides support for West Virginia University. |
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