Athletics Department to Work with Star of Hope Mission Again in 2009



Aug. 27, 2009

HOUSTON - For the third straight season, the University of Houston Football program will team with Star of Hope Mission in the Thanks for Giving Campaign presented by Administaff.

Non-perishable food items will be collected at every Cougar Football home game, beginning with the season opener at 6 p.m., Saturday against Northwestern State on John O'Quinn Field at Robertson Stadium.

Donation can be delivered at the Star of Hope truck, which will be parked in the tailgate area just outside of Gate 7. An additional drop-off location will be located at the student entrance, which is now located at Gate 10 at the stadium.

Bags for collecting non-perishable food items will be distributed to fans at home games, Cougar talk shows and in the Athletics/Alumni Center.

Once the items have been collected, the Athletics Department will present the food to the Star of Hope Mission at halftime of the regular-season finale against Conference USA rival Rice at 7 p.m., Nov. 28. The presentation will be a part of "Coogs for Charity Day" at Robertson Stadium.

A year ago, Cougar fans and sponsors donated nearly six tons of food.

Supporting sponsors of the Campaign include Smart Financial Credit Union, Wells Fargo, New York Life, Irma's Southwest Grill, Fabenco and Tallowood Baptist Church.

The Star of Hope Mission ministers to more than 900 people every day with food, clothing, shelter and structured recovery programs. The organization touches the lives of more than 7,000 homeless people each year, including more than 1,600 children.

This event is only the latest in a string of community outreach programs by Cougar coaches, student-athletes and administrators, who have worked in campus facility tours, reading incentive programs, drug awareness, motivational speaking, hospital visits, TAKS Test pep rallies and food and clothing drives.

The Cougars open their season at 6 p.m., Sept. 5, 2009, when they play host to Northwestern State on John O'Quinn Field at Robertson Stadium. Season-ticket plans are available by calling 713-GO-COOGS or visiting the Tickets link at UHCougars.com.

Fans can hear the game live on 790 AM The Sports Animal with Tom Franklin calling the play-by-play action, Ted Pardee providing color analysis and Chuck Brown handling reports from the sideline.

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