T-shirt proceeds benefit pediatric cancer support and ECU military programs
One of the largest contributions ever from East Carolina University Dowdy Student Stores’ “cause” T-shirt sales was made Feb. 8 to the ECU Distinguished Military Society to go toward scholarships and programs.
The ECU bookstore and its vendor, Perfect Promotions, presented a check for $7,250 raised through T-shirts sold for Military Appreciation Day in November. A portion of the sale of each T-shirt will be used for merit – and need-based scholarships. Tim Wiseman, associate vice chancellor for enterprise risk management and military programs, commended the contribution.
Representatives from Dowdy Student Stores and Perfect Promotions present a check to members of ECU’s ROTC programs for ECU’s Distinguished Military Society. (Photos by Cliff Hollis)
“We are united in the fact that we all have a passion and interest in promoting the futures for great military cadets here at ECU, including Army and Air Force ROTC programs,” said Wiseman. “The interest that customers have shown in this cause has been phenomenal and is very much appreciated.”
Also last fall, #GoGold T-shirts were sold through ECU Dowdy Student Stores as a fundraising effort for Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month. Rainbow Services, managed by the ECU Brody School of Medicine Pediatrics Hematology and Oncology group, and Riley’s Army were the beneficiaries of the T-shirt sale, each receiving a check for $2,886.
While a portion of the proceeds from each shirt sold was split between the two organizations, both agencies will be putting the funds toward sending patients to Camp Rainbow this summer. Camp Rainbow is a summer camping experience for children with cancer or hemophilia and their siblings, and is one of the Rainbow Services programs. Riley’s Army offers services for pediatric cancer patients and their families in eastern North Carolina. According to Jacque Sauls, director of Rainbow Services, the cost to send one patient to camp is approximately $1,000.
Bryan Tuten of ECU Student Stores signs a donation check for ECU’s Distinguished Military Society.
ECU Dowdy Store Director Bryan Tuten, Associate Director Bob Walker, Merchandise Manager John Palmer and President of Sales for Perfect Promotions Stephen McFadden, an ECU alumnus, presented the checks to campus department representatives, board members, staff and volunteers. Jason Ussery, also an ECU alumnus, is a graphic designer at Perfect Promotions and has designed many T-shirts for the fundraisers.
Dowdy’s “cause tees” program has raised almost $70,000 for a variety of local charitable organizations over the past five years.
-by Leslie Craigle, University Communications