Southern vs Louisiana to raise dollars for scholarships in texting challenge

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Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns fans and University of Louisiana at Lafayette alumni and students are encouraged to make donations to support student scholarships by sending text messages on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 29 and 30.

The text-to-give program, announced by University officials Thursday, will allow UL Lafayette supporters to send contributions of $10 by texting “ULAlum” to 501501 or via website. The effort is a mobile fundraising challenge with Southern University. The Ragin’ Cajuns will host the Jaguars for Saturday’s football game.

Southern fans, using a different keyword and number, will be competing with Louisiana fans to see who gives the most to their respective scholarship program in what is being called the “Battle of the Basin.”

“Fans making donations by text message will add excitement to the highly anticipated opening weekend of college football,” said Liz Landry, UL Lafayette interim vice president for University Advancement.

“If tens of thousands of fans cumulatively can raise the decibels in a stadium, imagine how $10 from each fan, whether in attendance or remotely texting, can tally up for both universities’ scholarship programs.”

Donors can make more than one donation. Each $10 donation will be added to contributors’ mobile phone bills or deducted from prepaid balances. Message and data rates may apply.

The program, spearheaded by UL Lafayette alumna Chantelle Aaron, is organized by the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Alumni Association. Donors do not have to be alumni, but must be at least 18 years old or have a parent’s permission. Donations are subject to the terms found at www.hmgf.org/t.