In a tremendous show of support, Walmart and more than 30 of its vendors provided North Carolina A&T State University Athletics with contributions during the 2012 Walmart-North Carolina A&T Scholarship Drive Oct. 16 at the Elmsley Drive Walmart.

The majority of the contributions were check presentations totaling more than $60,000 toward athletic scholarships. The biggest check presentation came from the four Greensboro Walmart stores, the High Point Walmart (South Main Street) and the Durham Walmart (Glenn School Road), which combined to contribute $16,000. Pepsi Bottling Ventures presented a check for $15,000, and General Mills and Kellogg’s gave $5,000 each.

“Every Aggie invested in seeing our 15 varsity sports do well, needs to support these companies,” said N.C. A&T director of athletics Earl M. Hilton III. “We believe this is the foundation of what will become a prosperous relationship that benefits our student-athletes, our fan base and the many Walmart stores and vendors in the state of North Carolina. We extend a gracious thank you to Walmart and its vendors for their continued support of N.C. A&T Athletics.”

Hilton also had kind words for Aggie Athletic Foundation member Jim McLeod for spearheading the initiative. The festivities also included a performance by the Aggie Cheering  Squad and the Blue & Gold Marching Machine. Chancellor Harold L. Martin Sr. and Hilton addressed the crowd and showed their appreciation for the presentations.

A&T Athletics and Walmart have an ongoing five-year relationship. In 2011, Walmart, additionally, assisted the AAF in conducting an auction at the Koury Convention Center that raised funds for the department.

Walmart representatives have also attended various A&T events, including Homecoming, basketball and football games, All-Sports Awards Banquets and most recently, 2012 Commencement. The company has been instrumental in conducting an annual pre-Homecoming fundraising event at the Elmsley Drive location.