NEWSAthletes Leave the Sidelines to Help Haiti Now
Jan. 18 2010, Published 10:07 a.m. ET
Athletes aren't sitting on the sidelines when it comes to helping Haiti. Miami Heat player Dwyane Wade and NBA legend Alonzo Mourning established the "Athletes Relief Fund for Haiti" on Friday, and since its debut, the organization has received donations totaling more than $800,000 from the sports community.
Alonzo and Dwyane launched the initiative to unite the world of professional sports to fund immediate relief efforts.
"The response from our colleagues has been overwhelming," said Alonzo as he traveled to Haiti on Friday. "We accept these donations with complete confidence that Project Medishare will put each dollar to quick and efficient use. Having been in Haiti, I have seen their work in action, and will be returning tomorrow morning to continue to assist them with their efforts."
Dwyane, who has personally contributed $1750,000 to the cause, said, "I expected nothing less from my friends and colleagues in the sports community. Our commitment to this cause knows no bounds, and we will continue to accept any and all donations throughout the days ahead."
Alonzo, LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Chris Paul have each pledged $100,000.
"Since first learning of the tragedy in Haiti, I was intent on finding a way to help," said LeBron, who plays power forward for the Cleveland Cavaliers. I feel fortunate to be in such a position to provide support and my heart and prayers continue to be with the people of Haiti."
NBA star Kevin Durant from the Oklahoma City Thunder said, "The situation in Haiti is devastating. I wanted to do my part, and contribute to the Athletes Relief Fund so the people of Haiti know we care and support them."
Chris Paul, who plays for the New Orleans Hornets, said $61,000 of his $100,00 donation was in honor of his deceased grandfather, offering a personal story. A high school student at the time, Paul scored 61 points in a game the day after his grandfather's passing.
From the NFL, Terrell Owens (Buffalo Bills), Joshua Cribbs (Cleveland Browns), Donté Stallworth (Cleveland Browns), Randy Moss (New England Patriots), Wes Welker (New England Patriots), Michael Vick (Philadelphia Eagles), and Clinton Portis (Washington Redskins) donated to the cause.
Want OK! each day? Sign up here!
For more information on the Athletes Relief Fund for Haiti, visit www.AMCharities.org.
EXCLUSIVELY IN THE PAGES OF OK! — ALL THE DETAILS ON HOW NEW MOMS KENDRA AND KOURTNEY ARE DEALING WITH MOTHERHOOD
Also in this issue:
• Everything you need to know about Carrie Underwood's wedding!
• The feud between Jennifer Aniston and Angelina Jolie is just getting worse.
•
Tag along with Jersey Shore's Ronnie and Sammi on their romantic night out in NYC!
...and all the latest news, fashion and photos!
