University of Tennessee Athletics
VASF's 17th Annual Scholarship Fund Drive in Progress; Open House Receptions Begin Jan. 21
Jan. 21, 2003
VASF Home Page
2003 VASF Fund Drive Schedule
2003 VASF Open House Reception Schedule
As 2003 begins, members of the Volunteer Athletic Scholarship Fund Staff are on the road as part of the 17th annual fund drive, an integral part of the Athletics Department's continuing commitment to excellence.
Vols supporters give for many reasons, but the results are still the same. Student-athletes receive scholarships, programs and facilities are maintained and improved and the Vols are able to continue to recruit the nation's best student-athletes. VASF donors receive benefits, including the right to purchase priority season football and basketball tickets.
Since 1986, Vols fans have given more than $133 million to the men's athletics program. More than 9300 donors are part of the program, up from 2200 when the VASF program was first implemented in 1986. Remarkably, 1900 of the original donors are still active in the program.
With a deadline of March 1, 2003, approaching, this year's annual goal is $13.04 million. "These monies are used to fully fund athletic scholarships and other areas of support, such as sports medicine, the Thornton Center, and nationwide recruiting," said John Currie, Associate Athletics Director for Development. "The Athletics Department does not receive any state-appropriated funding and we rely on the generosity of our donors and fan base to maintain a balanced budget."
This year, the VASF is sponsoring Open House Receptions across the region. "We look forward to thanking our current contributors in person, while we also welcome Big Orange fans who are interested in the program to come and learn more about donating and obtaining priority season tickets," said Bill Myers, Assistant Athletics Director for Development.
VASF Open House Receptions have been scheduled in the following locations. The meet and greet sessions continue Tuesday, Jan. 21, in Abingdon, Va., Thursday, Jan. 23, in Morristown, and Monday, Jan. 27, in Gallatin and Cookeville. VASF staffers will be in Nashville and Columbia, Tuesday, Jan. 28, to complete the month.
February finds receptions being held Monday, Feb. 3, in Dalton, Ga., Tuesday, Feb. 4, in Chattanooga, Wednesday, Feb. 5 in Knoxville, Thursday, Feb. 6, in Memphis, Monday, Feb. 10, in Union City, and Tuesday, Feb. 11, in Jackson.
