Kansas football fans again will be invited to participate in the “Proud to Be a Jayhawk” fund-raising promotion in designated tailgating lots during the home football season this fall.

“We have evaluated last season’s trial tailgating initiative and have determined we will continue to allow the responsible tailgating promotion, with some modifications,” Chancellor Robert Hemenway said.

“I thank the Jayhawk community for their enthusiasm and cooperation last year and ask for their help in continuing to build a festive, college football environment that all Jayhawks can take pride in.”

Modifications will include more signage and other public notification of the guidelines on responsible tailgating. Boundaries of the designated responsible tailgating area will be simplified so they are more clear to fans and law enforcement officials.

Responsible tailgating guidelines and new “Proud to Be a Jayhawk” fund-raising promotions are to be announced before the 2002 home season begins on Sept. 14 against Southwest Missouri State.

For the 2001 season, fans were invited to picnic and tailgate in designated areas, which featured food tents, entertainment and prizes.

Participants were asked to contribute to the “Proud to Be a Jayhawk” fund. Consistent with Board of Regents and KU policies, alcohol could be consumed by individuals of legal age at this official designated fund-raising event.

The promotion initially identified the KU Marching Jayhawks as the beneficiary. However, after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, KU joined with all other Big 12 Conference member schools to raise money for disaster relief.

The total amount raised by the 2001 promotion was $9,797.50. Of that total, $466 went to the KU Marching Jayhawks and $9,331.50 to the Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund, a relief effort for victims’ families organized by former Sen. Bob Dole and former President Bill Clinton.