Department to Make Donation

WINCHESTER, Va. - The Shenandoah University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced Wednesday that it will be donating the gate receipts from Sunday's USA South Conference basketball doubleheader to Haitian earthquake relief efforts.

The donation is part of the university's coordinated response to the earthquake and in addition to Sunday's donation, the university is planning further relief efforts that include the donation of "Health Kits" and a food drive.

"I am pleased that our department is able to help with these efforts," Athletics Director Dr. Wayne Edwards said. "Our university is committed to being an active part of the world at large, and we feel the same way in athletics.

"Our Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is going to take an active role in this project."

Shenandoah University has two students, sister and brother Cindy and Jerry Saint Fort, who are Haitian natives and the two, along with their sister Rachel, will speak to fans at halftime of the men's game Sunday about the experience their family has had since last week's earthquake.

Play begins Sunday at 2:00 with the women's contest against Meredith College while the men host Methodist at 4. In addition to the gate receipts being donated, donations will be accepted through the end of the men's game with the SAAC coordinating the collection of donations.

Edwards also announced that the baseball team, under the direction of head coach Kevin Anderson, has generously agreed to kick off the donation aspect of this fundraising effort off with a $500.00 donation.

"People of this community have been very good to us with our goal of running our program at the highest level," Anderson said. "We feel it is important for us to give back in this time of need and I would also like to issue a friendly challenge to the other teams to match this donation."

For more information or to set up a donation, please contact the Athletics Department at 540.665.4566 or sports@su.edu.