Jan. 10, 2003

Contact: Lynn Bretz, University Relations, (785) 864-8866.

4 KU groups to receive $4,573 from 'Proud to Be a Jayhawk' fund-raiser

LAWRENCE -- Four University of Kansas groups on Saturday, Jan. 11, will receive a total of $4,573 raised by the "Proud to Be a Jayhawk" tailgating promotion during the fall home football season.

KU officials will present a check to representatives from the KU Korean War Memorial Fund, the KU Marching Jayhawks, the Phi Gamma Delta Leukemia Run, and KU Sports Clubs during halftime at the KU-Nebraska basketball game, which begins at 12:45 p.m. at Allen Fieldhouse.

"Our 'Proud to Be a Jayhawk' initiative identified four groups that in various ways represent the Jayhawk spirit," said Al Bohl, director of KU Athletics. "We're delighted to assist them, and we thank our fans for participating in the fund-raising promotion."

Football fans supported the tailgating promotion through the purchase of KU football programs. A dollar from each program was earmarked for the promotion. Programs highlighted the groups and how they would use the donations.

The KU Korean War Memorial Fund will apply the donation toward creating a memorial to honor the service and sacrifice of Jayhawk students and alumni in the Korean War. The KU Marching Band will apply its share toward travel. The KU and K-State FIJIs raise funds to support leukemia research with a run of the game-day ball from Manhattan to Lawrence. The KU Sports Clubs' share will go toward equipment, uniforms and competition entry fees for the 750 KU students who participate in 23 clubs.