Growl sales can bring donation for veterans' group

November 5, 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — If Friday’s Gator Growl 2012 sells 32,500 tickets, the organizers will donate $25,000 to the Wounded Warrior Project. In addition, 75 percent of every Gator Growl ticket sold past 32,500 will be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project.

More than 15,000 tickets have been sold so far, and 10,000 to 15,000 tickets are expected to be sold this week. For the past three years, Gator Growl’s ticket sales have been between 26,000 and 36,000 tickets.

“Everyone in the show this year is motivated to put on the best show possible because of the Wounded Warrior partnership,” said producer Sam Hockenberry. “Without our nation’s veterans, the Gator Nation wouldn’t be possible, and that is the biggest part of our show this year. We hope you join us as we celebrate the University of Florida and raise money for this worthy cause.”

To contribute to Gator Growl’s efforts, purchase a ticket at www.gatorgrowl.org/buy-tickets. Tickets are $15 for UF students, $20 for UF faculty and staff, and $25 for general public. Additionally, an option was added this year to purchase a $25 tax-deductible ticket for a wounded veteran and his or her family through the Wounded Warrior Project. Wounded Warrior Tickets can also be purchased at www.gatorgrowl.org/buy-tickets.

The Wounded Warrior Project works to honor and empower wounded warriors. Its mission is to raise awareness for the needs of injured service members, help injured service members aid and assist each other, and to provide unique and direct programs to meet their needs. In Florida, there are around 900 Wounded Warriors with most located in North Central Florida. Their average age is between 25 and 28.

The theme of Gator Growl 2012 is “United We Growl” and the show will be honoring both the Florida Gators and the United States military on the eve of Veterans Day Weekend. It starts at 7 p.m. in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

This year’s event will feature country superstar Josh Turner, comedian Tracy Morgan, and Gator Great Dara Torres as host. The event will also include fireworks, the Para-Commandos skydiving team, as well as the Dazzlers, UF cheerleaders and the Gator football team’s senior members.

Gator Growl marks the culmination of UF’s homecoming festivities and brings together students, alumni, staff and faculty.

For more information visit www.gatorgrowl.org or contact Severin Walstad at 941-725-1363, email severin.walstad@gatorgrowl.org.