Here's the letter from June:
Dear Friends,
I’ll always remember the 2009 football season as one of my favorite experiences. As you know, December 24th will mark the first bowl appearance for the SMU Mustangs in 25 years - an accomplishment I attribute to an unyielding belief by our entire team: players, coaches, athletic department staff, administration and fans.
It will be a special moment for our team as we run onto the field at Aloha Stadium. I know some of you will be in attendance, but others have asked how you can support the team even though you cannot attend.
One of the things I love about SMU is its patriotic spirit and its loyal support of the United States Armed Forces. Hawai’i is a special place – the home of numerous military installations. This is why I am writing you today. I am proud to let you know that SMU will lead an effort to provide complimentary tickets for the courageous men and women and their families stationed at Hickam Air Force Base to attend the Sheraton Hawai’i Bowl.
I ask for your consideration in purchasing as many tickets as you can so these dedicated troops can enjoy a college football bowl game on Christmas Eve. As our guests, they will be seated in the SMU section at Aloha Stadium. In recognition of your generosity, SMU will provide each donor with a commemorative t-shirt for every two tickets purchased through this program.
We have set a goal of selling 2,000 game tickets, based on our discussions with Hickam Air Force Base.
Tickets are just $40 each. If you are in a position to do so, please call Quinn Branson in our Ticket Office. Quinn can be reached at 214-768-3523 or via email at
[email protected].
Providing these tickets to this charitable organization can potentially create certain tax benefits for you. Please consult your individual tax advisor to verify the specifics.
I know the Airmen and their families will appreciate this generous gesture. It will also show a nationally-televised audience what SMU is all about. Thanks for your consideration, your friendship and support. I believe. See you in Honolulu.
June