UConn scholarship for Sandy Hook victims tops $800,000

The Orange Bowl Committee’s gift brings the Sandy Hook scholarship fund to about $800,000.

The University of Connecticut’s Sandy Hook School Memorial Scholarship Fund, which honors those who died in the tragic shooting in Newtown, has received a gift of $80,120 from the host of the 2013 Bowl Championship Series (BCS) National Championship Game.

The donation from the Orange Bowl Committee represents $1 for every fan in attendance at the Jan. 7, 2013 BCS National Championship Game, where UConn Athletic Director Warde Manuel received the check on UConn’s behalf at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.

The surprise donation was presented by Orange Bowl President O. Ford Gibson and Big East Commissioner Mike Aresco.

Donations and pledges totaling more than $720,000 had been made to the fund before the Jan. 7 announcement, with more coming in each day.

The Orange Bowl Committee’s gift brings the Sandy Hook scholarship fund to about $800,000.

“While we continue to grieve for those who were lost in Newtown, we’re heartened by the outpouring of support for the scholarship fund,” UConn President Susan Herbst said. “This generous gift will help support the transformational gift of higher education. The fund is a meaningful and respectful way to accomplish that.”

More than 4,000 people have donated to support college costs for siblings of those killed in the Dec. 14 assault in Newtown, the dependents of the adults who lost their lives, and students currently enrolled at the elementary school and are accepted to attend the University.

Hundreds of donors have used the UConn Foundation’s text-to-give option, which lets contributors make $10 gifts with a simple text message over their cell phones.

More than 2,200 people – students, parents, alumni, and others – have used the Foundation’s online giving site to make donations as large as $5,000, while others have collected contributions at holiday parties.

One UConn alum donated $25,000, while more than $110,000 has been contributed by Hartford-area corporations.

How to Give:

Via text. Donors may contribute to the fund by texting 50555 with uconn newtown. University alumni should also add their name and graduation year. For example: uconn newtown John Smith 88. $10.00 donation to support the University of Connecticut Foundation through the mGive Foundation.

Charges will appear on your wireless bill, or be deducted from your prepaid balance. All purchases must be authorized by account holder. Must be 18 years of age or have parental permission to participate. Message and Data Rates May Apply. Text STOP to 50555 to STOP. Text HELP to 50555 for HELP

Online giving page. You may make a gift on the secure online giving site www.friends.uconn.edu/sandyhook

By mail. Mail your check to: UConn Foundation, 2390 Alumni Drive Unit 3206, Storrs, CT 06269-3206. (Please note on your check that the gift is for the “Sandy Hook School Memorial Scholarship Fund.”)

For more information, please visit www.foundation.uconn.edu/sandyhook

Posted January 14, 2013

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