Feb. 26, 2003

Columbia, Mo. - The University of Missouri Department of Athletics is taking a lead role in raising awareness for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Restoration Project that is underway in Columbia, Mo. The memorial, located at the Stadium Boulevard entrance of the MKT Trail, needs nearly $100,000 of restoration work.

The Mizzou Athletic Department will do its part in raising awareness for the much-needed restoration project, and asks fans to donate what they can to the project when they attend the Missouri-Kansas men's basketball game in Columbia on Sunday, March 9th.

Around 40 of MU's top student-athletes will be taking collections for the project inside all entrances in the Hearnes Center at the game. The goal is to raise $10,000 in donations that day, with Commerce Bank generously offering to match all funds raised at the game, up to $10,000.

"I'm pleased that Mizzou can help play a role in this important project," said Alden. "I see this as a fitting way for us to pay tribute to such an important figure in our culture, and I'm pleased that we can use our presence in the community to raise awareness for such an important need in our city. All we're asking is for folks to give 25 cents, 50 cents, one dollar or 10 dollars, whatever they can give to the cause. Every bit will be very helpful," he said.

Those unable to make donations in person can get more information online at www.newcenturyfund.org, or by calling the City of Columbia New Century Fund at (573) 874-7504.