The 2019 KTA Score for Scholarships program to benefit University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo student-athletes officially launches on February 13, at KTA Super Stores.
Shoppers who stock up on participating brands from February 13 through March 12, will be supporting UH Hilo student-athletes with their purchases. The brands sponsor the annual Score for Scholarships program that has bolstered the athletics program since 2003.
“We are incredibly grateful to the KTA team and the Taniguchi family for their incredible support of UH Hilo athletics,” said UH Hilo Director of Athletics Patrick Guillen. “The KTA Score for Scholarships campaign is a vital resource for the Vulcans program that provides support for our student-athletes in the form of tuition, books, housing and meals.”
KTA donates $50 for every three-point basket the Vulcans score during the basketball season; each goal in soccer is awarded $100; and volleyball scores $50 for every service ace. During baseball and softball games, the Vulcans receive $25 for strikeouts, $50 for doubles, $75 for triples, $100 for home runs and $500 for grand slams.
All funds raised through the program are deposited into the Score for Scholarships Endowment Fund. The money goes to offset costs of tuition, room, board, books and other academic support services for student-athletes.
“It is our honor and privilege to contribute support to UH Hilo’s Vulcans, and we are so grateful to have loyal and generous customers who show their support each year,” said Toby Taniguchi, president of KTA Super Stores.
The UH Hilo athletic teams stage community service projects, as well as free camps and clinics featuring Vulcans athletes, throughout the year.
“We have a mutually beneficial relationship,” said Guillen. “Honestly I don’t know of any other type of program like this. We’re fortunate that a company like KTA and a family like the Taniguchi family is willing to support us.”
