Groups to receive KU tailgating funds

Four causes will receive money from tailgate partying fees collected at Kansas University football games this fall.

A KU Korean War Memorial, the marching band, a fraternity’s run for leukemia and club sports will divide the money, KU officials said.

Because alcohol can be consumed only in areas of campus designed for fund raising, KU officials collect donations from tailgaters. This year, $1 from every football program sold will go to the causes. Programs cost $5.

The effort, dubbed “Proud to be a Jayhawk,” earned $9,797.50 last year. KU officials initially planned to give the money to the KU band but switched charities after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Then, the money went to the Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund, a relief effort for victims’ families organized by former Sen. Bob Dole and former President Bill Clinton.

The band received $466 of the total, with $9,331.50 going to the scholarship fund.

Here’s how this year’s money would be spent:

A Korean War Memorial to remember the approximately 60 KU students and alumni killed in the war. Fund raising for a Korean War Memorial began in the early 1990s, but the project was never completed.

The KU Marching Band, to cover travel expenses.

The Phi Gamma Delta Run for Leukemia. For 29 years, the chapters from KU and Kansas State University have taken turns running between Manhattan and Lawrence on the day of the KU-KSU football game. The money benefits the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

KU sports clubs. KU has more than 750 students participating in 23 clubs, and funds will be used for competition entry fees, equipment and uniforms.