Feb. 8, 2006
NORMAL, Ill. -
Illinois State head golf coach Ray Kralis believes in the importance of giving back to the community and was proud to accept the first-annual Salvation Army Bell Ringing Trophy on behalf of the men's and women's Redbird golf teams, Wednesday at Horton Field House. The bell ringing `Birds raised $744.41 while greeting customers outside of local businesses during the holiday season.
"We take great pride in the opportunity to serve," said Kralis. "Not only did the teams spend time ringing the bells, but they enjoyed the interacting with people as well. The money raised this year adds an incentive for the group to give an extra push in the years to come, to help people realize how important those donations really are."
Combined with the ISU men's basketball team, who also participated in the fund raising events, Illinois State Athletics raised a total of $1,226 for the Salvation Army. Captain Scott Shelbourn, a Corps Officer from the Salvation Army, presented the award and discussed the different uses for the generous contributions collected by the teams.
"We appreciate the efforts made by the student-athletes," said Shelbourn. "The money they raised goes to house people, offer food, and pharmaceuticals. Some of the money will be used to send kids to camp, and because it was Christmas time, we were able to buy presents for children as well."
