December 18, 2002

When Virginia Tech takes the field against Air Force in the Diamond Walnut San Francisco Bowl on Dec. 31, the Hokies may have some extra little fans in attendance thanks to the efforts of a Tech graduate.

Chris Hoover (Economics, Class of 1993) has spearheaded an effort aimed at getting Tech fans who do not plan on attending the bowl to purchase tickets. Those tickets will then be distributed by the San Francisco Bowl to San Francisco area children's organizations. Hoover has corresponded with Gary Cavalli, the Executive Director of the San Francisco Bowl, to set up this arrangement.

"Some friends and I got together and brainstormed how we could help Virginia Tech and some charitable organizations," Hoover said. "With the game in San Francisco, it was a thing where people wanted to go but just couldn't, and this was a way for them to be involved.

"In the past, people have gotten together and donated tickets to the military or charities. So I talked to some organizations in San Francisco, one of which was the Boys and Girls Club, and they indicated that they would love some tickets. So far, I know of over 100 tickets that have been sold and designated for this."

Hoover believes that the Boys and Girls Club is actually among two or three charities that will benefit from this arrangement.

The bowl game will kickoff at 10:30 p.m. EST on Dec. 31 and tickets are available at three prices...$40, $50 and $65. So if you would like to contribute to this cause and help a disadvantaged youth enjoy the holidays a little more, call the Virginia Tech ticket office immediately at 1-800-VATECH4 (1-800-828-3244).