Nov. 20, 2001

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The first goal of the “Wildcat Madness” campaign has been accomplished, according to Van Florence, the director of the University of Kentucky Basketball Museum.

The fund-raising campaign, which started in August, has generated nearly $200,000 to benefit the financially strapped Museum through $2,500 sponsorships.

“We are out of cats!” Florence said. “Thanks to the holiday spirit of Central Bank and Coca-Cola, all 144 cats have been sponsored.”

The Wildcat sculptures were enhanced by regional artists and are now on display by the various sponsors throughout Kentucky. All 144 will return to Lexington in March during the high school Sweet 16 Championship and the NCAA South Regional. According to Florence, once each Wildcat is purchased, the project could generate more than $500,000.