United Way hopes to turn Alabama and LSU fan rivalry into money for tornado victim relief

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Alabama and LSU football fans will be able to help Alabamians whose homes were hit by the April 27 tornadoes with a text from their mobile phones.

United Way of Central Alabama, Inc. with help from United Way of Southeast Louisiana will launch the "No Place Like Home" campaign at the BCS Championship Game in New Orleans to raise money for the unmet needs of survivors of the April 27 tornadoes in Alabama.

Prior to kickoff at Monday night's game, fans in the stadium will be asked to participate in a "Text To Give Challenge". Alabama fans will be asked to text the phrase "ALHOME to the number 50555."? At the same time, LSU Fans will be asked to text the phrase "LSUHOME to the number 50555."? Each text is a? $10 donation and participating fans will receive a return message announcing the winning team.

While the promotion kicks off at the Championship game, fans sitting at home can also text their donations, said Samuetta Nesbitt, senior vice president of communications for United Way of Central Alabama. "Anyone can participate," she said.

Fans can continue to text their donations after the game, Nesbitt said.

An advertisement for the campaign has been placed in the BCS game program and prior to the game it will be promoted on the large television screens inside the domed stadium, Nesbitt said.?????????????????????????????????????????????????

Former University of Alabama player and Alabama native Roman Harper, will help promote the campaign during the championship game festivities. Harper is also a Pro Bowl strong safety for the New Orleans Saints.

"I am proud to lend my support to this effort.? As an Alabama native, I understand the impact the tornadoes had on communities throughout the state and pray for its recovery," Harper stated in prepared comments issued in a United Way press release. "Having worked with United Way here in New Orleans to rebuild homes destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, I know that United Way is the best organization to partner with when it comes to rebuilding lives and communities."

Proceeds from the campaign will be used in Alabama to continue the rebuilding and repairs of the estimated 2,000 homes destroyed or damaged, according to the United Way press release.

"Local disaster experts estimate that the recovery burden for individuals at $1.2 billion after FEMA and private insurance assistance," Drew Langloh, President CEO, United Way of Central Alabama, Inc. states in the press release. "United Ways in Alabama are committed to supporting the long-term recovery process in the years to come."

Charges will appear on the fan's wireless bill, or be deducted from their prepaid balance. All purchases must be authorized by account holder. Message and data rates may apply.

For more information go to: www.mGive.org/T????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?

Source: http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2012/01/united_way_hopes_alabama_and_l.html

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