Courtesy of Hartford Sports Information
West Hartford, CT ? The
University of Hartford women’s basketball team presented a $500 check
to the Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center Neonatal Intensive
Care Unit, an award the Hawks earned for winning the 2008 NCAA “Pack
the House” challenge.
The
Department of Athletics and its marketing staff were recognized as one
of 32 winners in the NCAA’s inaugural “Pack the House” Challenge. The
Hawks were honored as the winner of from the America East Conference. A
total of 198 NCAA institutions participated in the effort which
attracted more than 592,000 fans across the country.
For
winning the award, the Hawks were given the opportunity to make a
donation to a charity of their choice. The Hawks were presented the
award during the 2008 America East Championship and chose to donate
their $500 check to Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center for its
support during the 2007-08 season.
“Saint
Francis Hospital and Medical Center has provided unending support to
the Greater Hartford community,” said Director of Marketing and
Corporate Relations Scott Dolch. “The NCAA Pack the House challenge
charitable donation gave the University of Hartford a chance to show
its appreciation.”
“Pack
the House” is a first-year national effort in which conferences and
institutions competed to build attendance. One winner from each of the
31 conferences and one from a group of independent institutions were
named. Selections were based on marketing plan creativity and
attendance criteria. The NCAA awarded prizes and will donate $500 to
the nonprofit organization of the winning institution’s choice.
“We
believe the effort motivated schools to attract new fans to our game,”
said NCAA Vice President for Women’s Basketball Sue Donohoe. “Campuses
devoted additional time and resources to the competition. We are
already being asked for information about next year. New alliances were
formed among conference offices, member institutions and (NCAA)
national office staff that will only strengthen efforts in the future.”