BYU Blue, Utah Red Equals Green for Food Bank

PROVO -- Both Brigham Young University and the University of Utah hope their fans do more than wear blue and red at the annual "rivalry of the state"football game Nov. 20 in Cougar stadium. They would like to see a generous dose of green as well.

In a cooperative twist on its traditional rivalry, the alumni associations of the two universities are combining efforts to raise food and money Utah's Food Bank Association.

Fans of both teams are encouraged the bring non-perishable food or donate money to help feed the hungry in the entire state. Each of the five entrances will have cash and food receptacles along with volunteers for Utah, BYU and the United Way of Utah County.

As part of the BYU effort, cash and food receptacles will be placed in strategic locations throughout campus the week prior to the game. The BYU Alumni House is the primary headquarters, and those wishing to donate financially can send their contributions there.

In addition, fans who go to the "Big Event" pep rally Nov. 19 at 7 p.m., need to wear blue and bring either a can of food or a cash contribution to the celebration (to secure a reservation to the rally, call (801) 378-6750). This hour-long event will feature football stars, the cheer squad, the Cougar Band and prizes galore, including a chance at a $20,000 football toss.

"We appreciate the willingness from both universities to give awareness and resources to alleviate hunger," says Eric Cooper of the Utah Food Bank in Salt Lake City. "Utah and BYU's efforts are a critical component to our holiday campaign."

According to Cooper, money is especially welcome because cash contributions can increase the food yield 18 times.

"As we move the focus to money rather than canned goods, we will

increase the impact," he says. "We are able to turn $1 into $18 worth of food. Financial resources allow us to get donations of food from the food industry. Often times the expense of receiving the food is just paying for transportation."

"Our goal is to raise more than $1 million worth of food to the Food Bank Association," says Rex Pugmire, BYU liaison of the drive.

This event has the support of the Points of Light Foundation, the nation's premiere volunteer-mobilizing non-profit organization. It will join this driveˆas well as several regional food drives in the state as part of National Family Volunteer Day Nov. 20.

For additional information, call (801) 378-6748.