University of Minnesota Athletics
Gophers Accept Record-High Donations
12/1/2010 12:00:00 AM | Athletics
University of Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletics collected over 1,800 pounds of food and raised over $5,300 for Second Harvest Heartland during the month of November. It was the largest amount collected since starting the Gopher food drive in 2000. The totals were established during the Thanksgiving week as all donations were dropped off at Second Harvest Heartland.
The Gopher student-athletes accepted food and monetary donations at seven athletic events during the month of November. The food drive started on November 5-6 as the M.A.G.I.C. (Maroon and Gold Impacting the Community) bus was positioned between Ridder and Mariucci Arenas during the women's and men's hockey doubleheaders against Wisconsin each day.
Following the “Burst the Bus” weekend, student-athletes were accepting donations at another three events: The volleyball match against Michigan State (Nov. 13), the Nov. 14 women's basketball game and Nov. 15 men’s basketball team when it played Siena. For every $1 that individuals donated, is was worth $9 of food to Second Harvest Heartland.
“This was our 11th year of our food and was the best year of contributions to date,” Anissa Lightner, the athletic department's assistant director of student-athlete welfare said. “Gopher fans really reached deep into their pockets and hearts during this Thanksgiving season to help those in need. We truly appreciate the dedication of our fans to provide this type of support to families in the Twin Cities area.”
The Gophers will start their annual toy drive on Dec. 11th at three events, the men’s basketball game and the men’s and women’s hockey games.
