Bank of America and Carolina Panthers Kick Off Library Fundraising Campaign

Link to September 14 Charlotte Observer article, "New fundraiser for the library: Text donations".

Excerpt: Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, hit this year by county budget cuts, is getting a new assist from two of the area's biggest names.

Bank of America and the Carolina Panthers this morning will kick off a six-month fundraising campaign to benefit the library system, including an initial $100,000 grant from the bank's foundation and a book swap from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Founders Hall.

A major highlight of the effort will let people contribute money toward county libraries using their cell phones.

People can text "READ" to 27722 from their cell phones to donate $10. The donation will be added to your phone bill.

The texting campaign will be promoted at libraries, bank branches and at Bank of America Stadium. Bank employees also will be on hand at Sunday's home-opener for the Panthers to distribute bookmarks to fans alerting them of the effort.

"This is an easy way to get the community involved," said Charles Bowman, the bank's market president for North Carolina and Charlotte. "It really does allow a grassroots effort. It's not just driven through a corporate initiative."

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