The Capital Area United Way raised $8,550 Saturday night through a text-message campaign during the LSU-Auburn game at Tiger Stadium.

In an effort to use mobile technology for philanthropic purposes, United Way President and CEO Karen Profita said, the nonprofit agency made a plea to Tiger fans to make a $5 donation by sending a text message, according to a news release.

The plea — made during the first timeout in the first quarter of the game — brought in $8,550 from more than 2,558 text messages sent, Profita said.

Of the texts sent, more than 800 people did not take the second step to confirm the donation — a step that would have resulted in an additional $4,000, Profita said.

United Way officials are asking fans to go back and check their messages to make sure they confirmed their pledges.

The LSU text campaign is still open and available to accept mobile donations. Text “LSU” to 864833.

A one-time donation of $5 will be added to the sender’s mobile phone bill or deducted from a prepaid balance.

“Although the money raised (Saturday) was not as high as we hoped for, we generated an amazing buzz with this effort and introduced a new fundraising approach to the community,” Profita said.

Via 2 The Advocate