Contact: Elizabeth Conlisk or Steve Snapp, (614) 292-3040 or (614) 292-3103

University kicks off campaign to support Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. Portion of program sales for four home games to go to American Red Cross

COLUMBUS – The Ohio State University and its Department of Athletics today announced a campaign to support victims of Hurricane Katrina, with funds to be generated through sales of football programs and donations that will be collected at the four home games in September and at additional events when students return to school. The university is calling the effort "September to Remember."

Ohio State President Karen Holbrook and Athletics Director Gene Smith said university officials wanted to do something to help the victims of one of the country's worst natural disasters, and thought the home football games were a logical collection point, given the popularity of Ohio State football. "Ohio Stadium is where our statewide community comes together every fall, and this effort allows our faculty, staff, students and fans to come together and make a significant difference for people in need," she said.

Smith agreed. "Hurricane Katrina is one of the three worst hurricanes since 1931. More than one million people in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama and millions more in our country are directly affected because of the economic impact. But most importantly, lives were lost. Hopefully, the generosity of Buckeye fans will have an impact as the cleanup and rebuilding process begins," he said.

Money will be raised in two ways, through program sales and cash donations at the stadium.

Athletics will donate $2 from every program sold at four September home games to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. The games are Saturday against Miami University, Sept. 10 vs. Texas, Sept. 17 vs. San Diego State and Sept. 24 vs. Iowa. The programs will cost $7, and a total of 76,000 programs will be available for those four games.

Additionally, cash donations will be accepted at seven locations in Ohio Stadium where merchandise already is sold and the locations are secure: gates 11A, 12A, 23A, 24A, on the Huntington Club level, in the South Stadium area at gate 39A, and on the East side of C deck, at Section16.

University officials have informed Ken Morckel, director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, of the relief effort so that it can be a part of the State of Ohio's overall response to the crisis.

Michael Carroll, CEO of the American Red Cross of Greater Columbus, said "Hurricane Katrina is likely to be the costliest natural disaster we have ever faced. Our volunteers will work harder than they've ever worked to bring relief to the victims and will be inspired by the news that Ohio State and caring Ohioans have come together to support them."

In addition to collection locations in Ohio Stadium, donations also can be made at www.RedCross.org, or by calling 1-800-HELP-NOW.

Additional relief efforts will be generated by student groups after the start of fall classes Sept. 21.