Feb. 25, 2011

NOTRE DAME, Ind. – You Can Lend A Hand Day will bring area Catholic School students together to see the University of Notre Dame Women’s Basketball Team take on The University of Cincinnati. Quality Dining, Inc. and the Irish will sponsor the 12th Annual You Can Lend A Hand Day at the Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center on Saturday, February 26, at 2:00 p.m. The event is held in gratitude to Catholic School students for participating in the You Can Lend A Hand fundraising program.

Catholic students will sing the National Anthem directed by Doug Thompson from Marian High School. Over 100 Catholic elementary school students will join the Notre Dame cheerleaders to perform two group cheers. The elementary school cheerleaders will demonstrate skills learned while participating in a clinic held by the Notre Dame cheerleading squad, held February 26 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in Gym 2 of the Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center.

Jessica Duvall, a seventh grader from St. Joseph School, Mishawaka – the winner of the 2011 You Can Lend A Hand Student Poster Design – will be presented with a framed copy of her poster design along with certificates from Burger King, Chili’s and Papa Vino’s Italian Kitchen.

“We are very excited to partner with the local Catholic schools and Quality Dining again this year for You Can Lend a Hand Night.” Notre Dame women’s basketball coach Muffet McGraw said. “It’s so important to do all we can to support our local schools so that we can help grow the next generation of great young people that will be the foundation of our community in the future. This is a tremendous opportunity for all of us in Michiana to invest in our children’s future and we’re looking forward to seeing so many smiling young faces in the stands at Purcell Pavilion on Saturday.”

For over 28 years, Quality Dining has sponsored the You Can Lend A Hand program, which has raised over 8.2 million dollars for area Catholic schools. Money is raised by purchasing a $3 coupon book from area Catholic students. The book includes coupons from Burger King, Chili’s, Papa Vino’s Italian Kitchen and the South Bend Silver Hawks. Coupon books are available through March 11. The money raised by the schools will help purchase educational and recreational items.

— ND —