December 15, 2000

Contact: Paul Vander Tuig, Trademark and Licensing, (785) 864- 4650; or Belinda Rehmer, Lawrence Memorial Hospital, (785) 840-3132.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Women's team, coach to deliver gifts to hospital patients as part of 'Crimson and Blue' project

LAWRENCE--University of Kansas women's basketball coach Marian Washington and her staff and team will visit Lawrence Memorial Hospital Monday to spread some "Crimson and Blue" holiday cheer.

As they have for the last seven years, the Jayhawks will distribute to hospital patients a wide selection of gifts provided by businesses and organizations that have licenses to use the university's name and logos.

The university's Office of Trademark and Licensing asks its 425 licensees to donate one or more products for the holiday giveaway project. A percentage of donations is given to a local "Toys for Tots" program or auctioned to raise money to purchase gifts for children whose families cannot afford to do so. A significant number of other donated items are given to hospital patients by the women's team. More than 1,200 items have been distributed each year.

"This project is meant to be one way the university gives something back to the people in the community of Lawrence," said Paul Vander Tuig, director of trademark and licensing for KU. "This is one way to say 'thank you.' "

The women's team will visit the Lawrence hospital at 9 a.m. Monday Dec. 18. The visit typically lasts two hours. The hospital is located west of downtown Lawrence and north of Sixth Street at 325 Maine Street.

Details:
WHAT: Jayhawks spread "Crimson and Blue" holiday cheer to hospital patients

WHEN: 9 to 11 a.m., Monday, Dec. 18.

WHERE: Lawrence Memorial Hospital, 325 Maine.

CONTACT: To cover event, please contact Belinda Rehmer, Lawrence Memorial Hospital, (785) 840-3132.