MISSOULA – The 91次元, along with the surrounding Missoula and western Montana communities, collectively raised more than 1 million pounds in food and monetary donations during the annual Can the Cats food drive.
This is the largest donation in program history and the first time the food drive passed the 1 million mark.
The amounts totaled during Saturday’s Brawl of the Wild game were 209,847 pounds of food and $881,907 in monetary donations, totaling 1,091,755.20 in food and funds from Griz Nation.
Karen Schlatter, UM marketing student experience and brand manager, said the donation total surpassed expectations.
“The response this year from UM and our community has been tremendous,” Schlatter said. “The best part about the healthy rivalry between both Montana flagships is watching Montanans come together to help neighbors in need. That was particularly true this year, and we are grateful for the generous hearts of Grizzlies.”
Can the Cats is a competition in which UM and MSU compete to fight hunger. The food drive is a partnership between UM, the UM Food Pantry and Missoula Food Bank & Community Center. The competition runs through the end of the first quarter of the Griz-Cat football game, when food and donation totals are counted.
UM has been named the top university in the country three years in a row for its overall contribution to public good. According to the Washington Monthly, UM tops the list ranking 1,487 four-year colleges and universities in service, ranking above many of the nation’s prestigious private and public institutions, including the University of Notre Dame, George Washington University, Duke University, the University of Chicago and many more.
Schlatter said UM’s public service ethos is reflected in the Can the Cats.
“Our students have a natural pull toward using their UM education for the benefit of others,” Schlatter said. “That’s true for our alumni and community partnerships, too, and a big reason why I think this year in particular was record-breaking.”
The Montana State University Bobcats also yielded an impressive amount, totaling 334,189 pounds and $683,4245 in monetary donations.
This year, UM’s Stuff the Bus event, held Nov. 15 raised 16,501 pounds with more than 200 volunteers stationed at 11 Missoula grocery stores.
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Contact: Karen Schlatter, UM marketing student experience and brand manager, 406-304-241, karen.schlatter@umontana.edu
