NFL Player Helps Support Blue & White Club

Ninth-annual Athletic Scholarship Fund Drive Kicked-Off

Drew Haddad

BUFFALO, NY - The Blue & White Club has officially launched its annual Scholarship Fund Drive with a crowd of nearly 200 people being introduced to the 2003 football recruiting class. This year, the goal of the drive is $500,000 with $103,000 under the belt as of February 10th. Drew Haddad, #84 of the Indianapolis Colts and former University at Buffalo football player, came back for the Kick-Off. As Honorary Co-Chair, he is grateful for the education and athletic training he received at UB.

According to their Mission Statement, "The Blue & White Club is dedicated to providing student-athletes with the opportunity to succeed both academically and athletically. Our primary purpose is to assist the Division of Athletics in generating the necessary financial resources to meet scholarship obligations. We will engage in activities that enhance team spirit, visibility, and the reputation of the Division of Athletics and the University at Buffalo."

The Blue & White Club Athletic Scholarship Drive is completed each year with help from Athletic Development, chairperson Frank T. Berrafato, and volunteers who care about the future of UB Athletics. They are devoting this campaign to getting multi-year commitments, increasing membership and giving level.

Created in 1995, The Blue & White Club has grown as much as the athletes at UB. Membership has expanded to include over 2,000 alumni and friends of UB while Athletics has risen to Division-IA. Due to the assistance of the Blue & White Club, 20 teams of athletes are able to be successful on the playing field and in the classroom.

Every bit counts. A donation of $50 or more to the Athletic Scholarship Fund guarantees membership in the Blue & White Club. Members get the recognition they deserve for their gifts. All donations are tax deductible and include access to the hospitality tent at home football games. Additional benefits are obtained with increased donations. They include license plate covers, business directory listings, VIP parking at home games, media guides, invitations to special events, and Donor Wall Recognition. The Blue & White Club section of the Athletics homepage even has a Volunteer Spotlight section.

A Bulls mini-helmet is being offered to all donors who pledge $100 or more by February 22nd. New Blue & White Club members can still enjoy benefits during the current basketball season with receptions that include food and soda during home games.

Chairperson Frank T. Berrafato believes that the Blue & White Club Scholarship Fund Drive can reach its goal for 2003. According to him, "The response to the drive has been fantastic. People have been very receptive and we are seeing an increase in giving levels and multiple-year commitments. We have enthusiastic people who are willing to give us strong support now and into the future."

A prospective donor can give online or print out a pledge form by going to www.ubathletics.buffalo.edu/blueandwhite/join.shtml. Information can be sent to a future Blue & White Club member's home by dialing 716-645-6867.

~ Written by Ariella Levine

02/20/2003