GAINESVILLE, FL (October 2, 2015) – Wells Fargo is supporting the University of Florida this fall by donating $1,000 for every interception the Gators make on the field.
For each interception, $400 will go the University Athletics Association for scholarships and $600 will go to support the Machen Florida Opportunity Scholars Program.
The generous donation from Wells Fargo supports up to 15 interceptions, or a gift of $15,000.
The Machen Florida Opportunity Scholars Program provides financial resources and individual support for low-income, first-generation college students from the state of Florida. The program helps Florida families rise out of economic hardships, makes it possible for talented young people to reach their promise, and improves communities and creates a stronger workforce.
“As a UF cheerleader and Opportunity Scholar, I was so excited to hear about the interception challenge,” said Max Barry, a management major from Jacksonville, Fla. “It’s just another reason to cheer for the Gators on Saturdays.”
“I bank at Wells Fargo, so it is really neat to see them investing in my future,” said Alexa Tsongranis, an advertising and psychology major from Tarpon Springs, also in the Opportunity Scholars Program.
Wells Fargo & Company is an American multinational banking and financial services holding company. Their partnership with the University of Florida is facilitated through IMG, the university’s multimedia rights partner.
“At Wells Fargo, giving back to our communities, and especially to education, is at the core of who we are as a company,” said Kelly Smith, North Florida Region President. “Our partnership with the University of Florida is made stronger by the impact we’ll have together in helping students succeed.”
As a major sponsor of Florida Gator Athletics, Wells Fargo was interested in demonstrating support beyond the assets found in a traditional sponsorship. Lee Douglas, General Manager of Gator IMG Sports Marketing, along with his staff Wells Fargo, the UAA and the University explored ideas and opportunities to develop the “Picks for Kids” funding of scholarships.
“The creation and funding of ‘Picks for Kids’ is an effective way for Wells Fargo to support the virtues of athletics and education,” Douglas said. “Every Gator interception will impact not only the game, but a student’s life.”
About Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a nationwide, diversified, community-based financial services company with $1.7 trillion in assets. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in San Francisco, Wells Fargo provides banking, insurance, investments, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance through 8,700 locations, 12,800 ATMs, the internet (wellsfargo.com) and mobile banking, and has offices in 36 countries to support customers who conduct business in the global economy. With approximately 266,000 team members, Wells Fargo serves one in three households in the United States. Wells Fargo & Company was ranked No. 30 on Fortune’s 2015 rankings of America’s largest corporations. Wells Fargo’s vision is to satisfy our customers’ financial needs and help them succeed financially. Wells Fargo perspectives are also available at Wells Fargo Blogs and Wells Fargo Stories.
Contact: Dan Apple, Assistant Director of Communications
352-375-4683 ext. 6199
DanielA@gators.ufl.edu
