The University of Connecticut\u2019s Sandy Hook School Memorial Scholarship Fund, which honors those who died in the tragic shooting in Newtown, has received a gift of $80,120 from the host of the 2013 Bowl Championship Series (BCS) National Championship Game.<\/p>\n
The donation from the Orange Bowl Committee represents $1 for every fan in attendance at Monday night\u2019s BCS National Championship Game, where UConn Athletic Director Warde Manuel received the check on UConn\u2019s behalf at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.<\/p>\n
The surprise donation was presented by Orange Bowl President O. Ford Gibson and Big East Commissioner Mike Aresco.<\/p>\n
Donations and pledges totaling more than $720,000 had been made to the fund before Monday\u2019s announcement, with more coming in each day. The Orange Bowl Committee\u2019s gift brings the Sandy Hook scholarship fund to about $800,000.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile we continue to grieve for those who were lost in Newtown, we\u2019re heartened by the outpouring of support for the scholarship fund,\u201d UConn President Susan Herbst says. \u201cThis generous gift will help support the transformational gift of higher education. The fund is a meaningful and respectful way to accomplish that.”<\/p>\n
More than 4,000 people have donated to support college costs for siblings of those killed in the Dec. 14 assault in Newtown, the dependents of the adults who lost their lives, and students currently enrolled at the elementary school who are accepted in the future to attend the University.<\/p>\n
Hundreds of donors have used the UConn Foundation\u2019s text-to-give option, which lets contributors make $10 gifts with a simple text message over their cell phones, while many have used the Foundation\u2019s online giving site to make donations. One UConn alum donated $25,000, and more than $110,000 has been contributed by Hartford-area corporations.<\/p>\n
How to Give:<\/strong><\/p>\n Via text:<\/strong><\/p>\n Donors may contribute to the fund by texting 50555 with uconn newtown. University alumni should also add their name and graduation year. For example: uconn newtown John Smith 88. $10.00 donation to support the University of Connecticut Foundation through the mGive Foundation.<\/p>\n Charges will appear on your wireless bill, or be deducted from your prepaid balance. All purchases must be authorized by account holder. Must be 18 years of age or have parental permission to participate. Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to 50555 to STOP. Text HELP to 50555 for HELP. <\/strong>Full terms and privacy policy: s.uconn.edu\/txt<\/a>.<\/p>\n Online giving page:<\/strong><\/p>\n You may make a gift on the secure online giving site: www.friends.uconn.edu\/sandyhook<\/a><\/p>\n