January 18, 2008

Holy Cross Crusaders Team Up with Red Cross for Fundraiser

WORCESTER, Mass. – The College of the Holy Cross and the American Red Cross of Central Massachusetts are teaming up to raise money and awareness at the Holy Cross women’s basketball game on Saturday, Jan. 26 at 1 p.m. at the Hart Recreation Center on the Holy Cross campus.

Fans making a donation to the Red Cross at the game will be able to purchase a game ticket for just $1.  In addition, the first 500 fans will receive a free team photo, and the entire women’s basketball team will sign autographs after the game.

The American Red Cross of Central Massachusetts has already committed two-thirds of its disaster budget to local disaster victims, just six months into the fiscal year.  Its volunteers have responded to 79 fires since July 1, 2007 — including 11 fires in the past 12 days which have displaced 74 individuals.

One hundred and thirty families from central Massachusetts have been permanently displaced by fires in their home since July 1.   Thanks to the Red Cross, more than 120 central Massachusetts residents are on call 24 hours a day to help their neighbors in need.

Red Cross volunteers have provided emergency housing and funds for food, clothing and medical prescriptions to 489 individuals including 167 children.

Donations of all amounts will be welcomed.  For donations of $20 or more, fans will receive one entry to the Red Cross’ “Great Golf Ball Drop” for a chance to win $10,000 this summer.

No more than 3,000 balls will be sold leading up to the event.  The balls will be dropped on Sunday, June 8, at the Worcester Memorial Firefighters Road Race.  The owner of the winning ball (closest to the hole) will win a $10,000 prize.   Entrants need not be present to win.

The Holy Cross women’s basketball won the 2006 Women’s Final Four Community Outreach Partnership Award for its outstanding community outreach efforts.  In addition, the program has made the NCAA tournament nine times in the last 13 years, and 12 times overall since 1985.  The Crusaders have won 11 Patriot League Championships in the past 17 years.

For additional information contact Cristal Perriello at 508.793.2419