University of Oklahoma Athletics
Relief Efforts Bolstered By Shirt Sales
June 11, 2013 | Athletics
June 11, 2013
NORMAN, Okla. - The University of Oklahoma would like to thank supporters across the country for their overwhelming response to benefit shirt efforts to support Oklahoma disaster victims in 2013. To date, OU and its licensing partners have collected nearly $160,000 through shirt sales to aid the United Way in the organization's relief and recovery efforts throughout Oklahoma.
This year marked the third consecutive year that the University of Oklahoma has implemented a merchandise benefit program to aid Oklahoma disaster victims. Following a series of deadly tornadoes that impacted areas across the state of Oklahoma during in May, OU released a pair of shirt designs with net proceeds going to relief efforts of the United Way.
The initial 2013 Oklahoma Disaster Relief shirt was developed in conjunction with Oklahoma State University and the University of Tulsa, and features the logos of all three institutions along with the phrase "OK Together." As of Tuesday, June 11, sales of the shirt across all three websites have raised over $130,000 for disaster relief efforts. These shirts are available in the official online stores of Oklahoma, OSU and TU operated by Fanatics and are produced by OU licensee Box Seat Clothing Company. The shirt comes in two styles: short-sleeved ($19.95) shop.soonersports.com, and a long-sleeved version for $24.95 at shop.soonersports.com.
OU Athletics also began the sale of the "HOME" shirts due to overwhelmingly positive fan feedback shirt after a similar design was worn by Oklahoma baseball, softball and other teams during postseason competition. The shirt is a cooperative effort between OU Athletics, OU licensee Original Retro Brand and the OU Bookstore and has raised nearly $30,000 to date. The OU Bookstore has graciously donated all of those proceeds to the United Way.
The shirt features the outline of the state of Oklahoma filled with the colors of the state flag and the words "HOME." Although the first printing of the shirt rapidly sold out, the OU Bookstore has announced a reprint of 2,000 shirts that will be made available today. Fans wishing to purchase the blue "HOME" shirt have the option to do so through the OU Bookstore in person, online or on the phone at (405) 325-3511. This shirt retails for $10 and is a limited-edition merchandise item.
Sales of both shirts will continue to be donated to the United Way to benefit disaster response and recovery work in the state of Oklahoma. The United Way works directly with agencies such as the American Red Cross and Salvation Army that have been providing round-the-clock assistance to Oklahomans in need. Services provided include opening and operating shelters, case management for those experiencing loss, mobile feeding sites for those working in disaster-affected areas, and more. Disaster relief efforts are provided free of charge and are entirely supported by financial contributions.
