The 2019 KTA Score for Scholarships program to benefit student-athletes at the University of Hawaii at Hilo is ongoing through March 12 at KTA Super Stores islandwide.
Shoppers who stock up on participating brands through March 12 will be supporting UH-Hilo Vulcans with their purchases.
The brands that sponsor the annual Score for Scholarships program have bolstered the athletics program since 2003.
“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.
KTA donates $50 for every 3-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.
Every time the Vulcans score, athletic scholarships grow. All funds raised through the program are deposited into the KTA UH-Hilo Score for Scholarships Endowment Fund. That money goes to offset costs of tuition, room, board, books and other academic support services for student-athletes.
“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. This amazing annual campaign affords our student-athletes the opportunity to achieve their academic and athletic goals.
“Also, we are truly honored to be aligned with KTA and their mission of involvement, support and outreach in our community.”
UH-Hilo Athletics stages community service projects as well as free camps and clinics featuring members of the various Vulcans teams throughout the year and is very visible in the Hawaii Island community.
“We have a mutually beneficial relationship,” Guillen said. “Honestly, I don’t know of any other type of program like this … and we’re fortunate that a company like KTA and a family like the Taniguchi family is willing to support us.”
KTA Super Stores is able to offer this annual support through generous sponsorship from the following brands: Hershey’s, ConAgra Foods, Nabisco, Gatorade, Kraft/Heinz, Banana Boat, Hawaiian Sun, Diamond Bakery, Pepsi, Kellogg’s, Wild Harvest, Roman Meal/Love’s and Proctor &Gamble.
“We know Hawaii Island residents love their UH-Hilo Vulcans, and we eagerly anticipate another high-scoring Score for Scholarships season,” Taniguchi said.