Nothing signals the beginning of fall like West Virginia University football and the exciting sounds of “The Pride of West Virginia” marching band.

To make sure “The Pride” is heard in Baton Rouge Sept. 25 when the Mountaineers travel to the heart of SEC country to take on Louisiana State University, the WVU Foundation is offering alumni and friends a new way to donate to the Pride Travel Fund at the touch of a button from your mobile device.

Simply text the words “WVU BAND” to 85944 from any mobile device to instantly make a $10 donation. The charge will appear on your mobile device bill.

“By offering text giving, we’re making it easy and convenient for Mountaineer fans to show their support for the ‘Pride of West Virginia,’” said Kristen Larrick, assistant director of the Foundation’s University Fund and Pride Travel Fund coordinator. “With just a few taps of your finger, you can donate to the fund, which provides financial support for much of the band’s traveling expenses.”

Larrick says fans attending the season home opener Sept. 4 against Coastal Carolina and the Sept. 18 home game against Maryland will be encouraged through public address announcements and other messaging to support the band through the Text2Give campaign.

“Band members really enjoy taking our show on the road, representing this great state and University,” said Jay Drury, marching band director. “We appreciate the generosity of those who support our travel efforts and encourage folks to donate through the Text2Give campaign.”

The Pride Travel Fund was established by the Foundation in 2007 to help offset the cost of transportation, lodging and food for the 360-plus member band that will also be making trips this season to Marshall University and the University of Pittsburgh, as well as other events throughout the state and region.

Supporters of the band have answered the call for donations in the past, Drury said, and hopes that 2010 will be no different.

“While the University and the Athletic Department provide financial support for the band, our travel expenses exceed the band’s budget,” he said. “We rely on private support from our alumni and friends to enable us to travel.”

Since the Fund’s inception, donors have contributed more than $320,000. The contributions have enabled the band over the years to travel to away games at Auburn University, Syracuse University, University of Connecticut, University of Cincinnati, Pittsburgh University and Marshall University.

Anyone interested in making a larger gift, or contributing online or by mail to the Pride Travel Fund may do so by contacting the WVU Foundation at 304-284-4000 or visiting www.pridetravelfund.com .

The Text2Give campaign is being made possible by a partnership with the Mobile Giving Foundation, which enables nonprofits to accept donations from almost any phone and major cellular provider. The Mobile Giving Foundation provides the organizational layer, operational guidelines and technical infrastructure for nonprofit organizations and donors to use the power and convenience of mobile technology. For further information about the Mobile Giving Foundation, please visit the MGF website at http://www.mobilegiving.org .

The WVU Foundation is a private nonprofit corporation that generates and provides support for West Virginia University.

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ts/bn/8/30/2010

CONTACTS: Jay Drury, WVU Marching Band
304-293-4841, ext. 3156

Kristen Larrick, WVU Foundation
304-284-4016