The North Dakota State University, Concordia and Minnesota State Moorhead athletic departments have raised $23,817 at athletic events to aid victims of Hurricane Katrina.
"We didn't want to just sit up here in the North Country and ignore it," MSUM athletic director Alfonso Scandrett said. "We wanted to do something. And we are."
MSUM and Concordia teamed up to raise $7,500 for the American Red Cross' Hurricane Katrina Relief fund during the Power Bowl football game Sept. 3 at Jake Christiansen Stadium.
The schools donated $500 from ticket sales, and Moorhead Public Service added $700 as part of its touchdowns for charity program.
Concordia dining service also donated $900 from the purchase of bottled water at the game. The rest was collected from fans.
ADVERTISEMENT
"I was astounded," Concordia Athletic Director Larry Papenfuss said. "I was just overwhelmed with the generosity."
Papenfuss said Concordia will continue to help the relief effort by sending students from the school's campus ministry to the Gulf during fall break.
MSUM's athletic department will donate money for each Dragon touchdown scored at home this season. MSUM fell 17-12 to Northern State on Saturday at Alex Nemzek Stadium.
"I think it's important we are aware of what is going on in New Orleans," Scandrett said. "And Dragons athletics is more than happy to help."
Other area college athletic departments have also been generous.
North Dakota State donated $16,317 to the Red Cross from donations collected before the Bison football game Sept. 1 against Arkansas-Monticello at the Fargodome.
The University of North Dakota presented the Red Cross with a check for $6,207.49 during halftime of the Sioux football game against Western Washington last Saturday. The money was collected during UND's game against West Chester on Sept. 1.
The eight teams of the Dakota Athletic Conference have combined to raise more than $7,500 for the Red Cross and Salvation Army.
ADVERTISEMENT
Jamestown College collected $3,440 for the Salvation Army's cleanup and food distribution effort at a spaghetti dinner and the Jimmie's Sept. 10 football game against Minot State.
Jamestown is hoping to hit $5,000, which will be matched by an alumnus who wants to remain anonymous.
"Our Jamestown College students always show great compassion in the face of tragedy," Jamestown President Robert Badal said. "And I am once again proud of their efforts to help victims of the Katrina tragedy."
Valley City State raised $1,250 for the Red Cross at its season opening football game Sept. 3 against Gustavus Adolphus.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Heath Hotzler at (701) 241-5562
