Aug. 22, 2008
LAS VEGAS - The UNLV men's basketball program wants to say "thank you" to local teachers and is looking for help from the community. Working with the Clark County School District's School-Community Partnership, the Runnin' Rebels have launched a "Tickets for Teachers" program for the 2008-09 men's basketball season.
CLICK HERE FOR THE TICKETS FOR TEACHERS LETTER
CLICK HERE FOR THE TICKETS FOR TEACHERS ORDER FORM
The goal of "Tickets for Teachers" is to provide two season tickets for all 269 elementary and middle schools in the district for the upcoming season. Principals of the schools will be able to use the tickets to the 18 Runnin' Rebel home games at the Thomas & Mack Center this season to give the teachers as an incentive.
"A simple 'thank you' can be so powerful," said head coach Lon Kruger, who is a member of the CCSD's School-Community Partnership Advisory Council. "This is a small way to recognize teachers, but hopefully it has a big impact. We want them to know they are appreciated. And, ultimately, that appreciation has an impact on the children they influence everyday."
The tickets will be provided through "angel" donations from community members. A school - two tickets - can be sponsored for $180. Donors purchase the tickets through the UNLV Athletics' ticketing department. (Preferred schools can be recommended by donors, however, the program's goal is to have all schools sponsored.) After the purchase, the ticketing department then facilitates the donation of the tickets to the Rebel Athletic Fund, which is in the name of the donor and is tax-deductible. (A gift receipt will be sent to the donor.) The RAF will then donate the tickets to the CCSD's School-Community Partnership to be distributed to the schools.
"This is really a great idea, a partnership of mutual benefit," said Clark County School District Superintendent Walt Rulffes. "The Runnin' Rebels give a gift of recognition to our teachers, and in return, we get to help grow the fan base and show our support for a great team. Hats off to Lon and his team for their community spirit."
UNLV worked directly with the CCSD's School-Community Partnership to design a program that would fit for donors, teachers and the athletics department.
"We wanted to make this as simple as possible for the donors," Kruger said. "It's also crucial to us that the tickets are used appropriately. We have been working with the school district on this concept to make sure we give them something that will benefit their efforts. This program is designed to help all those involved."
Kruger said this program is something the entire community can embrace. He added having 500-plus more people at each home game should not be overlooked, either.
"In sports, we have an engine to do a lot of good things to support the community," he said. "By being creative and working with partners, we can do some things that support a lot of people in many different ways. If our fans support teachers in this effort, they will also be supporting UNLV basketball."
A letter about the program along with a printable order form is available on this page. Individuals and companies interested in sponsoring schools for the "Tickets for Teachers" program may also call 702-895-1223 and speak to Emily Eskin or email emily.eskin@unlv.edu.
