William Smith (right), the first "44 Rewards" winner, accepts the check for the Make-A-Wish Foundation for Central New York from Stephen D. Fournier, KeyBank CNY District President.
"44 Rewards" Winner Chooses Make-A-Wish
3/6/2007 1:39:43 PM | Men's Basketball
During the first half of the Orange men's basketball game against Georgetown last week, William Smith of Cooperstown, N.Y. was thinking about how the Orange were going to pull the game out and whether or not to make another trip to the concession stand. But all that changed when his name was announced during half-time of the last men’s home basketball game on February 26 as the grand prize winner in KeyBank’s new 44 Rewards contest. The multi-tiered partnership program with Syracuse University provides ongoing prize-winning opportunities for fans, student internships and scholarships, and a charitable giving component -- all building on the legendary significance of the number 44 in Syracuse Athletics.
Smith was awarded two all-session tickets to the BIG EAST Tournament and hotel accommodations for the early March event in New York City. Additionally, he designated the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central New York to receive a $4,400 contribution from KeyBank. Since its beginning in 1985, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central New York organization has been dedicated to granting special wishes to children under 18 who are living with life-threatening medical conditions. In granting a favorite wish, the Foundation strives to provide the wish child and family with extra-special memories of joy and laughter, which are in dramatic contrast to the hospital, doctors, and treatment programs.
“KeyBank and Syracuse University have served the community together for more than 130 years, which is why this collaboration and extension of Key’s longtime support for Syracuse Athletics is a natural fit,” said Stephen D. Fournier, president of KeyBank’s Central New York district. “We are pleased the community wins too with this partnership – Make-A-Wish is a worthy charity and Key is proud to help further its important work.”
Other monthly contest winners included: Thomas Michels of Central Square who won an autographed football; William Smith of Cooperstown who was awarded season football tickets; Gary Hall of Tully who won an autographed basketball; and Ken Landon of Baldwinsville who won basketball season tickets.
During the next two years, 44 Rewards will provide area fans with exciting opportunities to win Syracuse men’s basketball and football merchandise, season tickets and tournament packages. Individuals can register to win these monthly prizes throughout the basketball and football seasons simply by visiting any KeyBank branch in Central and Northern New York. Monthly prize winners will be entered into a drawing for a grand prize which will be awarded near the season’s conclusion for each sport.
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