VERMILLION, S.D.—It is easier than ever to stand up and make a difference in our state's fight against hunger as fans can text the word SHOWDOWN to 80077 to donate $10 to Feeding South Dakota.
The initiative coincides with Saturday's football game featuring the South Dakota Coyotes and South Dakota State Jackrabbits. The contest is part of the South Dakota Showdown Series presented by South Dakota Corn, a point-based athletic and academic competition between the two intrastate rivals which is in its sixth season.
"November has so much meaning as farmers are wrapping up harvest, families are preparing to celebrate the holidays, and our mindset goes to how we can give back," said South Dakota Corn's Marketing Director Teddi Mueller. "That is exactly everything that the Showdown Series embraces. We get to promote the state's number one industry, agriculture. Sports fans gather to watch a game, all while we have an opportunity to give back to South Dakota's less fortunate."
The Series has a philanthropic effort that focuses on providing meals for those in need by raising money for Feeding South Dakota. Last year, the organization was able to provide 350,000 meals for adults and children throughout the state due to the $70,000 donation from generous funds raised and the efforts of USD and SDSU fans, students and campus communities.
This new texting component will allow fans in the stands, listening on the radio or watching on TV to donate $10 at any time. After texting SHOWDOWN to 80077, the donation will be applied directly to the user's cell phone bill. Fans in attendance Saturday can also donate cash in the donation barrels in the DakotaDome concourse.
South Dakota currently leads this year's series 3-2 thanks to two head-to-head wins in volleyball and the Coyotes' Summit League title in women's cross country. Saturday's football winner will earn two points. Fans can visit
www.sdcornshowdown.com to track progress and see point totals.
