TOWC canned food drive set for Sunday

Submitted by Dave Geringer
Phone: 6807
11/17/04

The University of Alaska Fairbanks has announced the first annual canned food drive, to take place Sunday morning Nov. 21 at the 2004 BP Top of the World Classic.

Anyone who brings a can of food will receive free admission to Sunday’s first session, which will feature games at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

"All of the food will be donated to the Fairbanks Community Food Bank," said Mona Drexler, Past Chair and current member of the BP Top of the World Tournament Committee. "The food bank does a wonderful job of taking care of people in need all year long. We have volunteers lined up from Fort Wainwright who will help load food into the trucks. It’s a very positive thing for the food bank, for the people who want to come out and watch some good basketball, and for the community itself. It’s a great way to come out and enjoy the game, and it’s a great way to give back to the community."

The Community Chair for the 2004 BP Top of the World Committee, George Roderick, said that the promotion should help boost attendance. "Traditionally, Sunday’s first session is not that well attended, and the committee wanted to do something this year to encourage people to turn out, and also perform a service to the community. There are several events during the year where people assist the food bank, and the committee thought it would be a very good idea."

The Executive Director of the Fairbanks Community Food Bank, Sam Kirstein, said that they were appreciative of the opportunity. "It’s certainly generous of the 2004 BP Top of the World Tournament, UAF and the Carlson Center to allow this as a free event for the community, and to allow us to benefit from it," Kirstein said. "We’re grateful for the opportunity to be involved."

UAF Director of Athletics Dr. Cory Schwartz said that the food drive was a welcome addition to the proceedings. "This is something I have wanted to add to our tournament’s offerings, and this year, the timing is right," said Schwartz. "It’s a good opportunity to give to the food bank, when the community gives so much to UAF Athletics."