How do I join the Orange Krush?

As the Orange Krush is a subgroup of Illini Pride, you cannot join without first becoming a member of Illini Pride. Because you have already taken this first step, you are that much closer to becoming a part of the Orange Krush!

Not only does the Orange Krush support Fighting Illini basketball, but is also a significant philanthropic organization and a key part of the campus and the Champaign – Ubana community contributing hundreds of thousands of dollars to the university and a number of charitable organizations each year. Therefore, all students interested in joining Krush must participate in the Orange Krush 3-point program, which raises money for local charities. In the past 10 seasons, the Orange Krush has raised and donated nearly 1.5 million dollars!

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS:

To join the Orange Krush, members must raise money by soliciting pledges from the community. Students may ask people to pledge money per 3-point shot the basketball team scores in the upcoming 2009-2010 season, or ask for straight up donations. The amount of money raised determines the Krush level. Varsity members need to raise $1.50/3-pt shot (however, freshman only need to raise $1.00/3-pt shot). If you raise $3.00/3-pt shot, you become a member of the All American team and receive greater benefits.

For example: Joe Smith pledges you $0.10 / 3-pt shot. Record Joe’s information on the pledge sheet (found at www.illinipride.com), and turn in the information at the deadline. If the Illini make 233 three-pointers during the upcoming season, Joe Smith will be billed $23.30 at the end of the season. As a freshman, you would only need 9 more people to donate $0.10 / 3-pt shot in order to become a member of the Orange Krush.

After the season, the Orange Krush Foundation will take care of sending you and the rest of your donors a bill depending on how many 3-pointers the Illini make during the season.

**It does not matter how many donors you have. In the example above, you could have 9 more people donate $0.10 / 3-point shot or just have one more donor donate $0.90 / 3-point shot to have a total of $1.00 / 3-point shot (varsity member for freshman/transfer students).

**Donors can make a flat donation instead of a pledge. Every $25 cash donation you receive is considered a $0.10 pledge. So if you received a $50 cash donation, which would be equal to $0.20 pledge. We ask that all cash donations less than $25 to be collected in and advance and be ready to be turned in on by the deadlines listed below. You can reach your desired pledge level in any combination of pledges or flat donations.
Raising Pledges
Tips for raising pledges:

Ask family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers
Approach local corporations and businesses
Ask ANYONE affiliated with the U of I (ESPECIALLY alumni)
START AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!!
Do NOT give false pledges, or pledges you do not expect to pay. This will eliminate your chance of being in Orange Krush again!!

Pledge information will be turned in on our online website. This website will only be made available the week of registration. Pay attention to Illini Pride Emails and the website for announcements closer to this date!

** Orange Krush registration for the 2009-2010 Basketball season will take place from September 8th-15th 2009 **

Orange Krush Pledge Sheet

Print off your pledge sheets (PDF document) by clicking the following link, and start tracking those pledges today!

>> Orange Krush Pledge Sheet <<

Orange Krush Membership Benefits

All-American team member
$3 DONOR (per 3-pt shot)
FREE ORANGE KRUSH Basketball Season Ticket •
1st Priority Missouri Game Tickets (free based on availability)
1st Priority United Center Game Tickets (free based on availability)
Reception with team and/or coaching staff
1st priority for NCAA tournament tickets (must purchase/ based on availability
Guaranteed floor seating for at least 1 home game (must arrive 1 hr before tip-off
1st priority floor seating for every home game (must arrive no later than 60 min before tip-off)

Varsity Team Member
$1.50 DONOR (per 3-pt shot) & $1 DONOR (for freshman/ transfer students)
FREE ORANGE KRUSH Basketball Season Ticket
2nd Priority Seating for Missouri & United Center Games (must purchase/ based • on availability)
2nd Priority for NCAA tournament tickets (must purchase/ based on availability)
Guaranteed floor seating for at least 1 home game (must arrive 1 hr before tip-off)
2nd priority floor seating for every home game

Scout Team Member
Less than $1.50 DONOR (per 3-pt shot) & (Less than $1 for freshman/transfer students)
Opportunity to PURCHASE any remaining ORANGE KRUSH Season Tickets
3rd Priority Seating for Missouri & United Center Games (must purchase/ based on availability)
3rd Priority for NCAA tournament tickets (must purchase/ based on availability
Guaranteed floor seating for at least 1 home game (assuming purchase of ORANGE KRUSH season ticket and arrival 1 hr before tip-off)

**Break game tickets WON’T be distributed based on money raised (more info during season)

Coach’s circle
In addition to the benefits you receive according to your donor level (All-American, Varsity, or Scout), the top ten Orange Krush members who raise the most money will also be rewarded with the following prizes:
First Prize - All inclusive road trip with the team to a Big Ten conference game
Second Prize - Basketball signed by Coach Weber and a chance to be an Honorary • Coach
Third Prize - Illinois Basketball Jersey
Runners Up (10) - 8 x 10 team photo signed by player/coach of choice