Pledges for touchdowns can benefit libraries

September 20, 2010

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Every Gator touchdown in the Swamp and at away games could help keep University of Florida libraries open longer for students.

For the second year, UF libraries are asking Gators to pledge a dollar amount for every touchdown in the 12-game 2010 football season. Each dollar raised is a step closer to providing libraries at UF with money so they may stay open 24 hours either all week or five days a week and provide new resources for students.

In 2009 the fundraising plan was piloted at UF by Richard Carris, a 1979 UF graduate and current member of the Library Leadership Board. UF was the first school in the Southeastern Conference to do so. The model can be used as an example to universities across the nation to raise money for libraries.

Based on the number of touchdowns made last year, 55, and the number of pledges the university has received so far, around 60, it would raise $4,500. Pledges can range from 25 cents to $100 or more. Those who pledge can even designate which library they would like their donation to support or choose to fund the “libraries’ greatest needs.”

To find out more about the Pay-for-Performance Florida Football Challenge, visit http://uflib.ufl.edu/giving/ where you can also learn about any of UF’s nine libraries.