Sports figures come together to help Houston in wake of Hurricane Harvey
Aug 31, 2017, 2:10 PM | Updated: 2:12 pm
Fans hold up signs as a show of support for the city of Houston during the sixth inning of a baseball game between the Houston Astros and the Texas Rangers Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017, in St. Petersburg, Fla. The Astros moved their three-game home series against the Rangers to St. Petersburg after being displaced by Hurricane Harvey. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
(AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Sports figures around the U.S. are putting their best foot forward to help those directly impacted by Hurricane Harvey.
Last Sunday, Houston Texans defensive lineman J.J. Watt announced his foundation was originally trying to reach a goal of $200,000. Since then, he has raised more than $10 million for the people of Houston.
$10 MILLION!!!
Absolutely incredible.
The most difficult times bring out the best in humanity. https://t.co/SR6DmnNbyM pic.twitter.com/0H8jHcZCQc
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) August 31, 2017
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant also got involved, making a $50,000 donation on Tuesday.
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) August 30, 2017
St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Matt Carpenter went a different route, donating $10,000 for every home run he hits until the end of the season.
From now till the rest of the season we will donate 10,000 dollars for every Homerun I hit to help aid the relief efforts in Houston
— Matt Carpenter (@MattCarp13) August 28, 2017
Teams have also joined in.
The Arizona Diamondbacks broke a 50/50 raffle record Wednesday after announcing the team would match the total dollar amount in an effort to aide the victims of Hurricane Harvey.
With the #Dbacks matching contribution, an additional $245,856 will be donated to the Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. #HelpForHouston
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) August 31, 2017
The Sacramento Kings asked members of their community to donate and within a day they racked up $25,000. The team’s foundation not only matched the contribution, but the owners of the team added an additional $50,000.
The Sacramento Kings organization and community are rallying around Houston, helping to raise over $100,000 #DoGood pic.twitter.com/qE884bCgSt
— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) August 31, 2017
And although it’s not a competition, no team comes close to what the Houston Rockets and owner Leslie Alexander have done so far.
Statement from Leslie Alexander and the Houston Rockets. pic.twitter.com/yHTO996txN
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) August 28, 2017
Since announcing that that the team would donate $4 million, Alexander has upped his donation to $10 million.
Instead of asking for money, University of Houston basketball coach Kelvin Sampson offered up another idea. He is asking coaches from both collegiate and high school institutions to send over clothing and shoes to help the people of Houston.
#HoustonStrong #ForTheCity #GoCoogs pic.twitter.com/aAlkkcNqnE
— Coach Kelvin Sampson (@CoachSampsonUH) August 28, 2017
Teams were quick to act.
We've got boxes on the way, Coach! We're keeping Texas in our thoughts and will help in any way we can. #HoustonStrong pic.twitter.com/WdydhK8VOw
— Gators WBasketball (@GatorsWBK) August 29, 2017
We and @COUG_Equipment have got some things headed your way! Thinking of you all! @UHCougarMBK #HoustonStrong pic.twitter.com/nq88ZBRAoQ
— WSU Men's Basketball (@WSUMensHoops) August 29, 2017
Franklin HS (OH) is sending a box of gear @brian_bales to @CoachSampsonUH Y'all are in our thoughts and prayers #HoustonStrong #AlwaysDoGood pic.twitter.com/eEhh2Z9Xgn
— GoFranklinCats (@GoFranklinCats) August 31, 2017
@CoachSampsonUH sending you some @waynestate warrior love from Detroit. Thank you for letting us know how to help! #HoustonStrong pic.twitter.com/Yg6CVYeBIx
— WSU Athletics (@waynestwarriors) August 31, 2017
KTAR News 92.3 FM and 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station announced Tuesday they too will host a fundraiser.
Click here to make a donation to the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster. Your money will go to helping FEMA-related agencies, including the Red Cross.
You can also text the word HOPE to either 411-923 or 620-620. We’ll respond with a link to the donation page so you can make a difference.
