Nov. 29, 2005

Columbia, Mo. -

The University of Missouri Department of Athletics kicked off the holiday season last week by making a donation of $3,431 to the American Red Cross, with the funds earmarked to go to the organization's hurricane relief fund.

 

Jutta Hopkins, executive director of the Boone County Chapter of the American Red Cross, was presented with a check on Nov. 21st by Julie Wagner of the Mizzou Athletic Department.  The money represented a portion of the proceeds collected from Mizzou's annual Fall Craft Show, which took place Nov. 6th at the Hearnes Center.

 

Hopkins was very appreciative of the gesture, as she indicated that a real need for continuing support of those impacted by the storms this year still exists.  "Every bit helps greatly, and generosity like this is absolutely vital and most appreciated," she said.

 

Hopkins stated that the mid-Missouri community has already donated over $350,000 directly toward hurricane relief efforts with the American Red Cross, and countless more in donations have gone directly to the national office.

 

"We are very pleased to make this donation to the Red Cross, and are hopeful that it helps in some way those who had their lives turned upside down a few months ago," said Wagner.  "The Mizzou Athletic Department takes great pride in being supportive of the Columbia community and certainly also in national causes such as this," she said.

 

Hopkins indicated that while the hurricane relief effort is far from over, that those wishing to contribute to the Red Cross effort can make a great impact by donating to the Boone County Chapter directly.  For more information, please call 573-445-9411, or visit the chapter website at www.redcross-boone.org.